#Japan #Study Abroad #Crisis Management #Okayama #Okayama University

Okayama University Prepares Students for Safe Overseas Travel

On June 18, 2025, Okayama University held an online seminar titled "Crisis Management Guidance and Overseas Study Insurance Explanation" aimed at students planning to travel abroad. This initiative drew participation from 122 individuals, including both faculty and students. The seminar emphasized the importance of being prepared for the unexpected challenges that may arise during study abroad experiences.

Professor Junko Obayashi, from the Graduate School of Education and Global Studies, gave an opening address, stressing the need for students to envision the potential dangers and issues they might face away from the familiar comforts of Japan. "Living in a foreign country can expose students to various unforeseen hazards," she noted, encouraging attendees to prepare thoroughly for their upcoming journeys.

Following her remarks, Yu Yamagishi, a representative from the Japan Council for Overseas Students Safety (JCOS), shared real-life incidents involving underground subway fires and street robbery. His presentation highlighted concepts such as "normalcy bias" and the critical nature of being aware of one's surroundings and potential crises. Yamagishi also introduced the J-TAS (Japan Traveler Alert System), which offers 24/7 crisis management support in emergencies, detailing essential contact information and procedures for handling various scenarios. Participants engaged in interactive activities that simulated emergency situations, helping them better understand how to react in real-life crises.

The segment on overseas study insurance was presented by Yoshinobu Yabuki from Tokio Marine & Nichido Partners Chugoku Shikoku. He elaborated on the "Educational Disaster Insurance for Overseas Study" policy, which covers theft, flight delays, and local medical expenses. Yabuki highlighted the significance of this insurance in ensuring students' safety during their travels and reviewed application procedures and coverage details to enhance students' awareness of these essential safety nets.

Concluding the seminar, administrative staff from the International Education Promotion Office provided valuable information regarding necessary procedures for studying abroad, including the overseas travel registration system and VPN setup guidelines. They encouraged students to promptly complete their preparations to ensure secure travels as they plan for their overseas experiences.

Okayama University remains committed to fostering a secure and supportive environment for students preparing to study abroad. The university's ongoing efforts aim to enhance crisis management support and establish robust frameworks to safeguard students' well-being during their international education endeavors. Participants can look forward to continued initiatives from Okayama University, a key research institution with a unique regional character.

For more information about Okayama University's commitment to student safety and international education, visit Okayama University's official website.