“Konnichiwa!” This is the signature greeting from the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan. This year, students from Global Prestasi School had the opportunity to participate in an International Immersion to Japan. The immersion program lasted for approximately 9 days, from April 20 to April 28, 2024. It was attended by around 35 students from grades 10 and 11, accompanied by teachers, the principal, and 2 representatives from Adonta Education, the partner in organizing this event. The goal of this program was to introduce Global Prestasi High School students to the opportunities for further studies abroad, especially in Japan, known for its technological advancements. Additionally, students had the chance to learn directly from their Japanese peers.
The agenda began on April 20, when students gathered at Soekarno Hatta Airport at 9:00 PM WIB to wait for their departure. After a transit in Hong Kong, the journey continued, and they arrived at Kansai International Airport on April 21, 2024. The students then headed directly to Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba, where they stayed during the program.
First Tour: Kansai and Osaka University
The first campus visit was to Kansai University in Suita, approximately a 1-hour bus ride from the accommodation. The students had the opportunity to visit Kansai University, famous for its Law School, and were guided by Sylvania, a fourth-year Indonesian student. Kansai University has five campuses: Senriyama, Takatsuki, Umeda, Takatsuki Muse, and Sakai. The university comprises 13 faculties, 13 graduate schools, and 2 professional graduate schools, with about 500 club activities available.
After touring the campus, the students attended a short seminar organized by the Department of Foreign Languages. The seminar explained the subjects that students would study and the requirements for admission to Kansai University. The activities concluded with lunch on the campus, and then the students continued their journey to Osaka University, located 8 km from Kansai University.
Osaka University is known as one of the best medical schools in Japan. At Osaka University, GPS students visited the Ring Cyclotron. They also had the opportunity to sit in a Japanese History class led by Professor Kondo. After the short lecture, the students received information from an Indonesian professor who has lived in Japan for a long time and teaches at Osaka University.
Intercultural Exchange at a Local High School
On April 23, the students visited a local high school in Kyoto, approximately a 1-hour drive from the accommodation, called Hokuryo. At Hokuryo High School, GPS students were warmly welcomed by the entire teaching staff. This visit was guided by Mr. Joseph, an English teacher at the school, and the coordinator for the cultural exchange activities.
The event began with a welcome speech from Hokuryo High School's English class, followed by a performance by Glowzy members from Global Prestasi High School, who presented a traditional creative dance. This was followed by classroom lessons guided by their respective buddies.
The students received lessons on Japanese language, culture, and general knowledge from their buddies during the class sessions.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Shrine of a Thousand Gates
After exchanging culture, language, and daily life with Japanese students at Hokuryo High School, the students visited one of Kyoto's iconic places, Fushimi Inari Taisha. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Japan's famous shrines, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto Prefecture. Kyoto is known as a cultural province, famous for its Geisha, historical film locations, and more. Fushimi Inari Taisha is particularly iconic due to its approximately one thousand gates that one can pass through before reaching the shrine's summit. Here, the students not only had the opportunity to explore the shrine but also to wear traditional Japanese clothing, the Kimono.
Continuing on Saturday, April 27, 2024, the participants of the Overseas Campus Immersion program in Japan had the chance to create food decorations from clay, glue, plastic, and other materials. As souvenirs, besides making plastic food models, the participants also took home their creations. It was so much fun!
Here We Go, USJ!
A Refreshment in a Tight Schedule
In the midst of a busy schedule during the Overseas Campus Immersion to Japan, the students had a day of relaxation with a visit to one of Osaka's largest amusement parks, Universal Studios Japan. There, they enjoyed various rides from 10 AM to 6 PM. The students were eager to queue for the different attractions, including the Flying Dinosaur, Cookie Monster Slide, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Hollywood Dream: The Ride. They even patiently waited in line for over an hour to experience the rides.
During their time at Universal Studios Japan, the participants also enjoyed themed meals at restaurants such as the Jurassic Park-themed restaurant, Monster Hunter-themed restaurant, and Detective Conan Café. Besides the fun rides, the participants also learned how to navigate the Japanese train system, known for its density, efficiency, and sophistication. They walked to the nearest station, transferred trains twice, and finally arrived at Universal Studios Japan.
Kobe University, Best Place to Do Research
On Friday, April 26, 2024, the immersion participants had the opportunity to tour and sit in at Kobe University, located in Rokkodai, at the foot of Mount Maya. The campus is also near the harbor, offering views of the port and sea from within the campus. Kobe University is one of the most sought-after public universities, known for its excellent programs such as student exchange and scholarships for its students. According to one Indonesian scholarship recipient during the campus introduction session, Kobe University is the best place for research.
Mission Complete: MOU with University of Hyogo
During this Overseas Campus Immersion, the Global Prestasi School team had one important mission: signing an MOU with University of Hyogo. University of Hyogo is one of the best universities in Japan in the field of business.
University of Hyogo focuses on integration and collaborative practice, offering the advantages of a comprehensive university. It conducts education and research emphasizing integration across different fields, promotes original and pioneering research to "create new knowledge," and strives to develop human resources with strong professional skills and broad education capable of responding to new era developments.
Additionally, University of Hyogo offers international classes, welcoming students from outside Japan each year. Currently, there are three Global Prestasi School alumni studying at University of Hyogo: Cathalina Diaz (batch 14), Jim Avicena (batch 15), and Pradipa Hafidz (batch 16). They are studying with scholarships from the Japanese government. Furthermore, in this 17th batch, three more students from Global Prestasi High School have been accepted to this university: Samuel Thadani, Gamaliel Art, and Khayra Elvina, all receiving scholarships, with Khayra Elvina being a candidate for the MEXT Government Scholarship.
Therefore, this MOU was created to facilitate students' path to further studies at University of Hyogo ensuring they can study well in Japan and have a brighter future.
The 9-day experience was unforgettable, filled with adventures, learning, and cultural exchange. From visiting prestigious universities like Kansai University and Osaka University to direct interactions with local students at Hokuryo High School, the students gained valuable insights into Japanese life and education. This program not only opened their eyes to the opportunities for studying abroad but also strengthened the relationship between the two countries through the signing of the MOU with University of Hyogo. May this activity inspire the students to continue pursuing their dreams and achieve a bright future.
Author: Muhammad Iqbal
Editor: Lady Yesisca
Documenter: GPS Senior High Teachers
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