IATSS Forum

I have always wanted to apply for the IATSS Forum, but it was only last year that I really got down to working on it. What pushed it for me? The age limit (it’s now or never!), and more. I am truly grateful to be selected as a participant to this year’s 51st IATSS Forum, and that I applied for it at this time. I believe this is the perfect timing for me as I have more to share now with the rest of the participants because of the experiences I have gained over the years. Having seen the course syllabus made me really excited for the things that we are about to do. I am looking forward to the exchanges of information and opinions from all the participants, to think and learn together, and make new happy experiences together. I am also eager to explore the different places that this course would take us to. Making new friends is certainly something that I am also looking forward to. Japan has always been on my bucket list of places to go to, and now I have the opportunity to explore it, not only through the usual 3-5 day touristy kind of trip, but in two months of more intimate encounter, and packed with learning opportunities. And the best part…it’ll all be for free!

The IATSS Forum is the first program I joined where I was able to interact with people of different nationalities and from different disciplines. I am very thankful to be part of this unique program, where we are made to discover our own leadership potentials and hone it through a good mix of serious and seriously fun activities. There were a lot of challenging moments along the way, but this made the experience more enriching and exciting. The invited experts, professors, efficient staff, homestay families and other volunteers, and of course, my co-participants made this experience really memorable. I gained not only new skills, but lifetime friends as well. We Filipinos always say that we are hospitable, but after being in some Asian countries including Japan, I am beginning to think that hospitality is an Asian trait. The hospitality shown by the Japanese people, especially the IATSS Forum staff is admirable. I would never forget them for always making sure that my preference for vegetarian diet is sustained throughout my whole stay. When we ask for directions, Japanese people would really try their best to help us, language barriers notwithstanding. I will always look back on this 55 day journey with fondness in my heart. 