By: Ali Syarief
A total of 19 participants, consisting of both adults and students, will embark on this year’s Cross-Cultural Mission. They are scheduled to arrive in Japan via Haneda Airport in mid-March 2025. This program aims to deepen cross-cultural understanding through a series of educational activities and firsthand experiences in various regions of Japan.
Upon arrival, participants will take part in a study tour to several areas to learn about Japanese culture, history, and technology. Additionally, they will stay with Japanese host families to experience daily life in the local community. During their stay, participants will engage in various cultural activities, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and traditional Japanese practices. This experience offers them the opportunity not only to hear and see but also to truly feel and understand Japanese culture from a local perspective.
The highlight of this program is the journey to Nagano, where participants will join the Snow Camp. This event will bring them together with participants from various countries, providing a valuable international exchange experience. Snow Camp is not only an opportunity to enjoy Japan’s winter beauty but also a platform to build global networks and share insights with young people from diverse backgrounds.
The benefits of conducting this program in Japan are immense. Japan is known for its unique blend of tradition and modern innovation. With a strong educational system and work ethic, Japan serves as a prime example of how discipline, responsibility, and innovation can be applied in everyday life. Furthermore, as a global hub for technology and economics, Japan offers valuable insights for participants who wish to understand global dynamics across various fields. Its safe and clean environment, along with its hospitable and orderly society, also adds to the advantages, allowing participants to learn and adapt comfortably in a new setting.
This Cross-Cultural Mission is not just a travel experience; it is a golden opportunity to shift perspectives and paradigms. Participants will gain firsthand experience in living in the global era, understanding what needs to be done to succeed (what to do the best), and seizing available opportunities (get the opportunities). More than that, this program serves as an initial bridge for building new connections in Japan, opening doors to future studies and international career prospects.
Through this direct experience, participants will gain a much deeper understanding compared to merely reading about it in books. This journey is about “listening, living, and learning” (to listen, to live, and to learn) firsthand and becoming part of a broader global community.
