Japanese language school collaborates with an agent to Lobby Government on easing the entry for students
Japan is one of the countries that have kept its borders closed in order to protect its citizens from Covid-19 since the pandemic began in early 2020. The borders continue to be closed, only except for the participants of the Olympic games.
Foreign students who wish to study in Japan or have had plans to study in Japan are currently not allowed to enter the country. Some students decide to study online meaning attending classes during unsociable hours due to the time difference and some students opt for putting their education and career on hold and just wait.
A Japanese language school KAI Japanese Language School in Tokyo has decided to act and partner up with a travel agent GoGoNihon to lobby the Japanese government on behalf of all students to allow them to enter the country safely.
Together they have created a website named “Education is not tourism” which highlights the stories of students and how their lives have been put on hold.
The initiative hopes to encourage a discussion with the Japanese government about lifting the entry restrictions by sharing these students’ stories.
To allow the students to enter Japan to continue or start their studies is important and can be done safely as the vaccination programme across the world is progressing.
One of the students from Italy shares her story of studying Japanese for seven years, passing all her exams in 2020 and applying to arrive in Japan to continue her studies: “I finished all the exams in Winter 2020 just waiting for Japan to open and let me in, since I am trying to write my MA thesis regarding women contemporary literature in Japan.
During a live session held recently one of the students living abroad who wish to study in Japan said that she is prepared to do whatever it takes – to prove the vaccination, undertake isolation or take pre and post arrival Covid test if necessary.
Many more stories and information about the initiative can be found on the website: https://educationisnottourism.com/
KAI Japanese Language School, established in 1987, is a highly reputable, immersive Japanese language school located in Tokyo. They offer both comprehensive and conversation-based Japanese language courses year-round. The Teen program is suited for younger students offering them an immersive Japanese language learning experience.
