Dubai: Nine Emirati high school students, who have scored grades of over 90 per cent in every subject of their Year 11 studies, were selected by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEC) to visit Japan from September 23 and 28, 2017.

Since the opening of the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE) in Abu Dhabi in 2013, the number of Emirati students studying both degree and non-degree programmes in Japan increased by 158 per cent from 102 students to 263 students in 2016.

The increase is expected to continue in 2017, aided by the many outreach and informational activities conducted by JICE throughout the year.

The trip, which is courtesy of the JICE, included a visit to three renowned Japanese universities including Tokyo Institute of Technology, the University of Tokyo and Tohoku University.

The students also attended Japanese language classes in Tokyo and visited the northern Japanese city of Sendai and enjoyed a social exchange event with students from Sendai-Nika High School, where they made a presentation on Emirati culture and school life in the UAE.

Other cultural activities of the mission included visits to the Japanese National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Edo-Tokyo Museum, and Tokyo’s historical district of Asakusa.

The annual mission known as the ‘Study Tour in Japan Programme’ started in 2014 and is a collaboration between ADEC and JICE that is financially supported by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

“It was a great opportunity for us to not only find out more about what these top Japanese universities can offer Emirati students, but also to see and experience Japanese culture and society first hand,” said Thani Salem Al Muhairi, a Grade 12 student from Al Ittihad High School in Abu Dhabi.

He said he was amazed by the level of interest in Emirati high school life they received from the Japanese students.

“Japan is a great choice for students who want to study in the various fields of engineering, information technology, business, social science, arts and design. There are a lot of courses in Japanese universities which are taught in English, as well as short study programmes for those who want to try studying in Japan first,” said Munehiro Mishima, general manager, JICE Abu Dhabi Office.

The JICE Abu Dhabi Office assists students and families with selecting the right Japanese universities and courses for their interests and needs, as well as assisting with application processes and possible scholarship opportunities, added Mishima.

The JICE, along with representatives from several top Japanese universities and tertiary institutions, will once again participate at NAJA Abu Dhabi, the university fair, which will be held from October 25 to 27 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

For more information about studying in Japan, visit http://sv2.jice.org/e/ or call 02 652 6875.