Dreams Do Come True: JENESYS 2.0

When I was in high school, I have dreamed to be an Exchange student in Japan. As every weekend back then, I tried to study the Japanese language myself. I even have bought Japanese language learning books and dictionary just to help myself. I also subscribed to Japanese YouTube channels to help me learned more about the Japanese culture and language. You can say that I'm a really a "Weebo" back then because you will see me watching NHK and other Japanese channels, as if I can understand everything. I even eat food with my own chopsticks that I bought at the Japanese store. So I have lived this kind of lifestyle hoping one day I can go Japan and study there, until I have graduated high school

When I entered college, everything has changed. I have no more time to study Japanese so as times goes by, I have forgotten how to read and write Japanese characters and even some grammar points. I have focused too much on my major and have forgotten about this kind of things. Still every day, I am hoping that I can visit Japan even for just short period. Until one day, the day that I have been waiting for. 

Dreams do really come true. I have stumbled upon a cultural exchange program on the web, JENESYS 2.0, and eagerly join the program. Luckily, I was one of the chosen Filipino delegates for the Japan-ASEAN-Oceania festival. Everything is for free from plane ticket, accommodation and even food. Who would not want to travel free? Like what they have said, the best things in life are free, but you got to work for it. And JENESYS 2.0 made this opportunity possible for me. 

13 countries, 360 highschool and university students, 1 programme: JENESYS 2.0

JENESYS 2.0 is a program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the youth and students who are interested in Japanese culture. They bring students from all over the ASEAN and Oceania region to experience and to learn Japanese culture first hand. The program itinerary includes visit to temples, schools or universities, companies, and farm. The program also exposes the delegates to daily Japanese culture and customs such as origami making, ikebana, planting, and many more. Even with a short stay in Japan, you will really get to experience the authentic Japanese culture.

The program is also not about visiting and seeing ALL the touristy place such as Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Sky tree, Imperial Palace, and others, but it is about the experience and friends you would have while in Japan. You can always make money, but you cannot always make memories. With all those first time experiences I have such beach combing, rice planting, firefly watching, and all those authentic and fresh Japanese shashimis I have tried, I have really been thankful for it. I can say that I went home fully refreshed and full of stories to share to my family, friends, and even to the whole world. But there are only two words that can summarize my experiences in Japan, “COOL JAPAN!”

どうもありがとうございます!