【Project Activities】

As a host organization for Japanese graduate students undertaking overseas internships, we support coordination with preferred placements, securing accommodation, arranging entry requirements such as visas, providing care during the stay, and creating opportunities aligned with each student’s interests.

【Project Background】

We coordinated the internship at the request of the Graduate School of Sport and International Development at the University of Tsukuba. The internship was initially planned with a sports federation, but because the student’s research focus was physical education, we negotiated with the Ministry of Education. Around the same time, the University of Tsukuba was planning to host training for Palauan physical education teachers, which also helped strengthen future ties between the Palau Ministry of Education and the University.

【Project Objective】

For Palau: strengthen physical education, positively influence PE teachers, and create opportunities for children’s international exchange. For the Japanese student: gain international experience and apply research methods in practice.

【Project Area】

Physical Education (School Subject)

【Methods】

Internship support

【Outcomes】

Because Tsukuba’s Sport and International Development program is taught in English, the intern faced fewer language barriers often encountered by Japanese participants. They performed on par with interns from countries such as the United States and became an immediate asset on the ground. They were able to build deeper connections, carefully review documents (e.g., curricula and standards), and apply what they learned to their research. It was a valuable exchange and learning experience for the Palau Ministry of Education, the host school’s students, and the intern.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“I don’t want to go home.” (Japanese student)
“I was able to learn about the realities of international development in the field.” (Japanese student)
“They were a great help.” (Host elementary school)
“Working together taught me a lot.” (Fellow teachers)

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Compared with programs like JICA, students shoulder a heavier burden for travel and living costs. Because the placement period is short, it is difficult to expect outcomes beyond “exchange.”

【URL】