Keen anticipation of a much awaited event can be such sweet torture. IATSS Forum へ行きたくてたまらない. I have wanted to go for the IATSS forum ever since 2010 when I heard my friend recount her wonderful and fruitful 55 days’ experience. I went online to find out more and was so thrilled by the opportunities offered by the forum that I spent days dreaming about going. My excitement rises as the day of departure draws near. The IATSS forum is a special opportunity to exchange ideas and grow in knowledge with other bright individuals, besides understanding other ASEAN cultures in the beautiful and advanced country of Japan. I’m truly blessed and thank God for this amazing opportunity to learn from top-notch lecturers, getting first-hand experience on the topics through field studies and developing communications skills through group presentation & discussions. I could go on and on about the things I look forward to at the forum in September but due to space constraints, let me end off by thanking all the forum staff for their efforts in preparing for the forum. Here’s to wishing all my fellow participants all the best in their preparations. Can’t wait to see everyone!
“Truly blessed”. That’s the thought that surfaces whenever I recall the IATSS Forum experience. Each day at the forum felt like a wonderful gift and blessing from God. The lessons from distinguished lecturers and sharing of knowledge between forum participants gave one a rare insight into the perspectives of different ASEAN countries and Japan. Of special interest were the many field and study trips places like Toba Island and Moku Moku Farm where we saw the concepts we learnt being put to practical application. Such trips made learning effortless and very enjoyable. Most memorable were the nightly bonding sessions with fellow participants in the hot spring (onsen). The onsen experience broke down cultural inhibitions as we relaxed in the warm, soothing waters with the sparkle of night stars above, chatting about any and everything.
The friendships made at the forum will be the greatest gift I have taken with me. I am thankful for modern technology like “Whatsapp” that allows us to keep in touch almost every day. Looking at the messages we leave each other brightens up my day. I urge the 50th batch to make the most of their time at the forum, soak up every moment as it will be one of the best times of your life.
“Truly blessed”. That’s the thought that surfaces whenever I recall the IATSS Forum experience. Each day at the forum felt like a wonderful gift and blessing from God. The lessons from distinguished lecturers and sharing of knowledge between forum participants gave one a rare insight into the perspectives of different ASEAN countries and Japan. Of special interest were the many field and study trips places like Toba Island and Moku Moku Farm where we saw the concepts we learnt being put to practical application. Such trips made learning effortless and very enjoyable. Most memorable were the nightly bonding sessions with fellow participants in the hot spring (onsen). The onsen experience broke down cultural inhibitions as we relaxed in the warm, soothing waters with the sparkle of night stars above, chatting about any and everything.
The friendships made at the forum will be the greatest gift I have taken with me. I am thankful for modern technology like “Whatsapp” that allows us to keep in touch almost every day. Looking at the messages we leave each other brightens up my day. I urge the 50th batch to make the most of their time at the forum, soak up every moment as it will be one of the best times of your life.