Twenty-eight high school students from Pacific Island nations, including Tonga, have commenced a week-long educational visit to Japan under the “JENESYS 2024” program.
Running from February 26 to March 4, 2025, the initiative aims to enhance participants’ understanding of Japanese science and technology.
The itinerary includes visits to cutting-edge facilities in Tokyo, providing firsthand exposure to Japan’s technological advancements. Students will also experience rural life through farm stays in Shizuoka Prefecture, offering insights into traditional Japanese culture and agriculture.
The JENESYS program is one of the many opportunities available to students at the University of the South Pacific (USP), which offers a vibrant, multicultural environment for academic growth. Students also engage in various extracurricular activities and social events that enrich their university experience.
USP third-year student Miss Tutasi shared her experience with the JENESYS program, highlighting its impact on her understanding of Japan.
“Through the JENESYS program, I got to learn more about the Japanese culture because there’s more I got to learn about in person than one finds on the internet. The program also allowed me to build connections through other regional students and the Japanese community,” she said.