The IATSS Forum program consists of four main components, each of which is designed to maximize the benefits of the 55-day program, by taking into account current regional and world issues.

Group Study:

Group Study provides participants with an opportunity to do research and propose a group solution to an allotted topic while carrying out the IATSS Forum motto, “Thinking and Learning Together.” Unlike in the Seminar Group Discussion, all the members of a Group Study team focus on only one topic from their different perspectives throughout the Group Study program. Therefore, we expect that participants will provide not only tangible research results, but also be able to improve their interpersonal skills through the process of Study.

Group Study (Video clip)

Group Study: Group Work
Group Study Presentation

Seminars and Field Study:

In Seminars and Field Study such topics as society, politics, industrial technology, culture, and international relations are covered. Through these sessions, participants can gain a balanced perspective on Japan, Southeast Asia and the world. Seminars are opportunities for the participants, not only to gain knowledge from the lecturers, but also to deepen their understanding toward each topic through exchange of opinions in group discussions with fellow participants, and question-and-answer sessions with the lecturers. Scholars from noted universities and business leaders from major Japanese companies offer stimulating lectures on a variety of topics, providing participants with a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest trends in research and business. Through Field Study, participants deepen their understanding and knowledge of each field by visiting places and institutions related to the Seminar.

Seminars and Field Study (Video clip)

Seminar: Education		Seminar: Japanese Aesthetics
Seminar: Technology Development -The HONDA humanoid robot ASIMO-		Field Study: Suzuka Circuit Traffic Education Center

Study Tours:

In order to give participants the broadest possible understanding of Japan in the shortest time, the IATSS Forum provides participants with opportunities to visit Nara, Kyoto, Tokyo and other cities. Participants gain first–hand knowledge of Japan through these visits, learn about the current challenges, and deepen their understanding of the country as a whole. Participants also have opportunities to plan their trips individually by gathering information about places they are interested in visiting, such as historical and cultural sites, museums, and universities.

Study Tour (Video clip)

Visit to Waseda University (Tokyo)		Visit to the Traffic Control Center (Tokyo)
Visit to Honda Yaesu Building (Tokyo)

International Exchange Activities:

Participants will have many opportunities to meet people from the Suzuka area and other cities. Participants can also enjoy a variety of cultural exchange activities, including introductions to Japanese culture, homestays, and Cultural-Exchange Day. Participants visiting other cities have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities specific to each region and can meet people from many walks of life, including local businesses, non-profit organizations, local government officials, teachers and students. These activities are designed to provide each participant with a unique experience.

Cultural Exchange Day (Video clip)

Japanese Culture Introduction		Homestay
Cultural Exchange Day

Alumni’s Voice – Experience at IATSS Forum and Message to the Coming Participants- (Video clip)
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Alumni Activities:

After completing the IATSS Forum program, participants return to their home countries as leaders and apply their experiences from the Forum to their work in a variety of fields. At the same time, they become IATSS Forum Alumni Association members in their home countries. These organizations offer them a place to continue sharing their wealth of experience through alumni networks that span a broad range of ages and occupational fields. Active alumni associations in each country provide opportunities for alumni to get together and exchange the latest information from various fields. Alumni activities also include informational sessions for prospective applicants and social action programs such as English lessons or traffic safety education for disadvantaged children.

International Alumni Meetings, which take place in a different country every other year, provide an opportunity for representatives from each country's alumni association, not only to report on their activities, but also to engage in a lively exchange of views about recent issues that concern them.

The 5th International Alumni Meeting in the Philippines (2008)
Alumni Activity in Cambodia: English Class for Children

Japanese Volunteer Study Tours:

Forum participants have many opportunities to interact with volunteers during their stay in Japan, and such interaction continues following their return home through activities such as Japanese Volunteer study tours. These tours take volunteers to visit alumni associations in various countries for home stays, workplace tours and sightseeing at cultural heritage sites, giving many Japanese a chance to gain a deeper understanding of ASEAN nations and their cultures.

Such spirited alumni activities are made possible by the strong, rich network of over 800 alumni who come from diverse backgrounds, the IATSS Forum produced over its almost quarter-of-century history.

Photo: Volunteer Study Tours
Indonesia in 2005		Cambodia in 2009