Japan Aims to Restore International Student Numbers to Pre-Pandemic Level

Hello everyone.

Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."

Thanks for joining us.

Today we're talking about international students who come to Japan to study.

Our headline is: Japan Aims to Restore International Student Numbers to Pre-Pandemic Level.

Chiara, I believe you originally came to Japan as a university student.

Yes I did... um I first came as an exchange student, and then about a year later, I came back as a recipient of a Fulbright fellowship.

I was based out of Kobe University, and I was studying koto music and how it's taught.

Interesting! OK, before we go to the news clip, let's go over some words to listen for.

"gaikokujin-ryuugakusee" international student.

"shuushoku - suru" find employment.

"wariai" percentage.

OK, let's watch the news clip.

There were more than 310,000
international students in Japan in 2019.

But due to the spread of COVID-19, the figure declined by 20%
over a two-year period.

The percentage of international students
who find employment in Japan has also declined.

The education ministry aims to restore
the number of international students to the pre-pandemic level
of 310,000 by 2027.

It plans to provide
Japanese-language education and corporate internship experiences

to help international students
find jobs or start businesses.

Now, let's review some sentences from the story.

There were more than 310,000 international students in Japan in 2019.

Now, read along with me.

"Nippon ni iru
gaikokujin-ryuugakusee wa nisen-juuku-nen wa
sanjuu-ich-man-nin ijoo imashita."

"gaikokujin-ryuugakusee" are international students.

"ryuugaku" means to "study abroad."

And speaking of "gaikokujin ryuugakusee," in 2008, the education ministry unveiled a plan to host 300,000 of them by 2020.

And they achieved that goal in 2019.

But of course, sadly the numbers have been declining drastically because of the pandemic over the last couple of years.

Now the Japanese government hopes to restore the figure to the pre-pandemic level or higher within five years.

Chiara, looking back on your own experience, what are some challenges you faced?

Well getting in my utilities set up in Japanese was really tough...

And then when my fellowship year was ending, I had to learn a whole new vocabulary about employment in Japan.

All of these Japanese words related to "shuukatsu."

Oh yeah "shuukatsu." That's short for "shuusyoku-katsudoo," or "job hunting."

That was tough for me too.

Yeah, the job-hunting culture here is very systematized.

And it can be really challenging for international students to navigate.

Right. Let's check in with Tokunaga-sensei to learn more about Japanese "shuukatsu."

"Shuukatsu" refers to Japan's
unique job-hunting culture.

For example,
all job-hunting students wear what are called
"rikuruuto-suutsu."

We also have something called
"entorii-shiito."

This is a document you submit
when applying for a job.

There is a section that asks
for your "shiboo-dooki."

"shiboo" refers to
ambition or desire.

You're meant to fill in your reason
for applying to the company.

Job hunting in Japan is a little different
from other countries.

So familiarize yourself with the protocols
and prepare accordingly.

-Ooh, doesn't that just bring back the memories.
-Yes.

I mean, I was so clueless...

I remember applying using an "entorii-shiito," an application.

And under the reason of why I wanted to work there, all I could think of saying was "I want a job so I can pay my rent!"

Ahaha... right.

I mean, "shuukatsu" can be a daunting process.

You know, I think many international students experience similar struggles.

All right, let's move on to the next sentence.

(The education ministry) plans to help make it easier for international students to find jobs or start businesses.

Now, read along with me.

"ryuugakusee ga shuusyoku shitari kaisha o tsukuttari shiyasui yoo ni

tetsudau koto o kangaete imasu."

The education ministry plans to encourage and help international students find jobs or start up a new business here in Japan.

That's great news for students who want to stay and work in Japan.

Right. Now, let's take a closer look at an international student who's hoping to find a job here.

Gunma University is located in Gunma Prefecture.

About 230 international students study here.

Nguyen Huu Quan is from Vietnam.

He lives in a university dormitory along with around 40 other international students.

His rent is about 15,000 yen a month.

And he receives a monthly stipend as part of a Japanese scholarship program.

As a result, he's able to minimize his part-time work schedule and instead concentrate on his science and engineering studies.

Quan came to Japan because of his interest in automobiles.

I had a strong interest in cars.

And I wanted to work
for an auto company.

That's why I decided
to study here in Japan.

Quan is currently taking part in GHKG, a career development program for international students operated by the education ministry and Gunma Prefecture.

The program aims to make staying and working in Japan and in Gunma Prefecture an attractive option for students like Quan.

Participants receive lessons in business Japanese and job-hunting support.

They can also apply for internships with Gunma-based companies.

Quan undertook an internship with a tire company.

He got to tour the company facilities and learn about how tires are made.

And that's not all.

Today I'd like to talk to you about how some businesses
are implementing the SDGs.

He had the opportunity to give a presentation, as well as interact with other interns interested in the industry.

Professor Yuuki Megumi is one of the driving forces behind the program.

My hope is that by participating
in programs like ours, students can set goals and dreams

and gain the confidence
to undertake challenges.

Taking part in the program has strengthened Quan's resolve to work in Japan.

After graduation, I want to try
to find employment here.

I'd like to become a bridge
between Vietnam and Japan.

Mmm... As someone who has also studied abroad, I think what Quan is doing is great.

He's very proactive and goal oriented.

Absolutely!

And I think that studying and working alongside people from all different kinds of backgrounds is really great.

It widens your horizons... It definitely did for me!

One last note.

For multilingual guidance on job-hunting for international students, look up the Japan Student Services Organization.

That's all for today.

We'll see you next time.

See you soon!

Bye!