Welcome to Japan, JICA International Students!

In autumn 2025, JICA Tokyo welcomed 146 scholars from 71 countries and regions.
After an initial orientation, they headed to graduate schools across six prefectures to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees, gaining advanced knowledge and skills.
Meet three scholars who share their hopes and goals in Japan.

Goals for Participating in the JICA Program:
I hope to gain practical knowledge in public management and policy, especially Japan’s digital governance and global best practices. I aim to apply these skills to my work, expand my professional network, and prepare for future leadership roles. My goal is to strengthen my core competencies and contribute more effectively to public service.
What I Look Forward to During My Stay in Japan:
I’m excited to experience Japanese culture beyond academics—such as festivals, historic sites like temples and shrines, and traditional cuisine. I also look forward to enjoying the seasonal beauty and embracing the values of discipline and respect in daily life. This journey will help me grow both professionally and personally.

Goals for Participating in the JICA Program:
I hope this experience will help me gain advanced academic knowledge and research skills to contribute to the transformation of Madagascar’s financial sector. My main goal is to connect my research with practical policy outcomes so that my work can have a tangible impact in my country.
What I Look Forward to During My Stay in Japan:
During my stay in Japan, I look forward to:
1. Building an international network of researchers and professionals to create opportunities for collaboration.
2. Experiencing Japanese culture, values, and traditions, which I believe will enrich me personally.
3. Becoming fluent in Japanese and enjoying Japan’s famous cuisine.

Goals for Participating in the JICA Program:
My goal is to become a leading STEM scholar in micro- and nano-plastics, contributing to my personal growth, my family, and my country. This program serves as a bridge between Cambodia and Japan, fostering collaboration, education, and cultural exchange. I believe my research will support sustainable development and a cleaner, healthier ASEAN-Japan region through mutual learning and innovation.

What I Look Forward to During My Stay in Japan:
During my time in Japan, I look forward to immersing myself in its rich academic and cultural environment. Inspired by Japanese values of simplicity, timelessness, and integrity, I aim to grow into a scholar of strong character and trust. By 2028, I hope to fulfill Waseda University's Vision 150—wearing the lab coat and square cap that symbolize scholarly honor.

Through this interview, we hope you caught a glimpse of the real face behind a JICA scholar.
During their stay, students will also learn about Japan’s modernization and postwar development, gaining a deeper and more structured understanding of the country.
JICA Tokyo is fully committed to supporting their new academic journey in Japan.