IATSS Forum

My name is Carlos. I lead a volunteer group that helps educate the children in the indigenous communities. I can’t express the enthusiasm and the happiness I’m dealing with now. I am extremely happy to have been selected to join the other young leaders from different ASEAN countries for the 58th edition of IATSS Forum. I have really high expectations for this batch. My participation in this program will undoubtedly make me a new person. When you experience a different culture through educational and cultural exchanges, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you—deepening your knowledge of foreign cultures, strengthening international relationships and making lasting connections. And that’s the greatest thing that I look forward to! I find ways to always improve. I have high hopes that within the 55 days of my participation in IATSS, I will be able to develop my leadership skills, self-confidence, and a greater understanding of the complexities of the world. I want to develop my vision by looking at things at different angles, to start thinking outside the box, and to be more creative which will help me to achieve a lot of things that I used to consider beyond my reach. Living with a host family, getting to know the locals, experiencing the Japanese culture, and living as they do; these are the things that give me excitement because this is where you really discover the way of life in another country. You will become aware of the inner concerns of a family, a city, and a nation. Moreover, I look forward to experiencing building new friendships, taking responsibility, and accepting and respecting differences. See you all very soon!