New ASJA-MEXT students will join a 4-day 3-night orientation program, where students will deepen their knowledge about ASJA’s background and mission, its 24 years of history, program contents and characteristics. Raising the awareness of student’s duty as a selected scholar.

During the orientation, they will be able to directly hear about their seniors’ and alumni’s experiences, as well as communicate with fellow ASJA-MEXT students.

In order to further strengthen the ASJA network, the orientation has been held in a training camp style ever since April 2014. Since both the new students and seniors can share lodging and are able to communicate freely, it initiates a strong bond between fellow ASJA-MEXT students.

The presence of seniors at the orientation is especially helpful, as they can help relieve the stress and anxiety the new students may be feeling in their new life in Japan.

Detailed explanations of ASJA as a program coupled with seniors’ firsthand experiences has been tied to more proactive participation from the new students. They can hence look forward to a more fruitful experience in ASJA.