#Japan #Thailand #Nagasaki #JENESYS

Nagasaki High School Students Embark on a Cultural Exchange Trip to Thailand

In an exciting initiative aimed at nurturing international friendships, students from Nagasaki Minamiyama High School will embark on a transformative journey to Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the JENESYS program. This exchange, scheduled for November 25 to December 2, 2025, will see eight students and one supervising teacher participate in various activities centered around the theme of 'friendship exchange.'

Objectives of the Program

The JENESYS program, facilitated by the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), aims to foster mutual understanding and deepen connections between Japan and its Asian partners. By participating in this program, students will not only discover the rich cultural fabric of Thailand but will also introduce aspects of Japanese culture to their Thai counterparts.

During their visit, the students will engage in presentations and workshops with local high school students. These interactions will encourage them to share insights into their respective cultures, highlighting the unique charms and traditions of Japan and Thailand. Through this exchange, both groups aim to gain a broader perspective of each other's lifestyles, further enriching their understanding of international cooperation.

Cultural Experience through Homestays

A significant highlight of this trip will be the homestay experience, where students will stay with local Thai families. This arrangement is designed to immerse them in Thai daily life, allowing them to witness firsthand the customs and cultural practices that define the country. Students will gain invaluable insights into the different ways of living, enhancing their appreciation for cultural diversity.

Educational Visits and Learning Opportunities

Additionally, the group will have scheduled visits to the Japanese Embassy in Thailand and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. These visits will offer the students a chance to understand how Japan contributes to addressing social issues in Thailand through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and other forms of international cooperation. They will also visit the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand office, where they will learn about the partnership efforts between the two nations in tackling various societal challenges.

Schedule of Activities

Here’s a glimpse of the planned itinerary for this enriching experience:

• - November 25: Departure from Nagasaki Airport and arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok.
• - November 26: Courtesy call to the Japanese Embassy; interaction with JENESYS alumni; educational visits to Wat Pho and a cultural experience of Thai dance.
• - November 27: School exchange program at the Dipangkornwittayapat School; insights at the JICA Thailand office; cultural experience learning Muay Thai.
• - November 28: School exchange at the Amnuay Silpa School; meet with host families; begin homestay.
• - November 29-30: Continued homestay experience.
• - December 1: Participate in workshops and a report meeting to present their travel experiences and action plans post-return.
• - December 2: Departure from Bangkok and return to Nagasaki Airport.

Conclusion

The JENESYS program presents up-and-coming youth with a unique platform to engage in cultural exchanges, facilitating personal and collective growth. With the students of Nagasaki Minamiyama High School poised to strengthen ties with their Thai peers, this initiative illustrates the power of international collaboration in creating a bridge between diverse cultures. By sharing their own heritage while learning about a different one, these young ambassadors are set to play a pivotal role in fostering lasting friendships between Japan and Thailand. This endeavor stands as a testament to the shared commitment of both nations towards building a brighter, more interconnected future.