Japan Airlines Scholarship Students Return To NZ

MEDIA RELEASE
September 1st 2005

Japan Airlines Scholarship Students Return To New Zealand Today

Nigel Thomson of Canterbury University and Emma Shearing of Otago University returned from Japan today after winning a 22 day long visit thanks to the Japan Airlines (JAL) Scholarship 2005. The JAL Scholarship has been running since 1975, giving New Zealand students the opportunity to increase their understanding of what it means to be a ‘Globally Minded Citizen.’

Both Nigel and Emma responded to the pressing question of ‘Globalisation – 21st Century Asia, what can WE do?’ to win the ultimate spot for an all expenses paid educational trip to Japan. Students from throughout the Asian and Oceania regions meet in Japan for the 22 days of interaction where the initial aims of the JAL scholarship; to promote an understanding of Japan, encourage mutual understanding within the region, and the cultivation of talent to become the core of the community of the future are discussed under the banner of the years theme. The JAL Scholarship creates a foundation for these young New Zealanders to hold powerful positions in global influence in the future.

Emma Sharing says “This was a fantastic opportunity to really get a feel for another culture and also have the interaction with the other students from all over the world. It has been a privilege to participate in this event that was only made possible by JAL.”

JAL has been dedicated to providing this unique opportunity to students from the very beginning. Masayuki Kishida, Japan Airlines Regional Manager, says “It is important that our future leaders gain an early first hand experience of other cultures. The JAL Scholarship has given Emma and Nigel an opportunity that will continue to be an influence in their future decisions.”

Both Emma and Nigel hope to pursue a career in the international arena. Nigel says “this experience has really opened my ideas to the opportunities I have in the future. Globalisation of the world is an issue that I take very seriously and to have a hand in this issue in the future will be really exciting.”

The JAL scholarship is open to students throughout New Zealand each year. 37 New Zealand students have attended and been influenced by the programme’s theme of friendship between Asia and Japan, globally since it began. Emma and Nigel promise to have brought some vital skills, understandings and experiences from their trip that will aid in the growing multi-culture society of New Zealand.

ENDS

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