JEPN regularly hosts meetings for participating universities, facilitating the exchange of information about each university’s initiatives and providing insights on the acceptance of refugee students. During the long summer break in August, two conferences were held: one student-led and the other staff-led, both addressing efforts related to student support and employment assistance.
The 2nd Student Conference（August 8）
A year after the first conference, students with refugee backgrounds and students from support organizations for international students in Japan gathered again. About two and a half years had passed since universities began accepting Ukrainian students, and the conference explored how universities and support students have been involved during this time, while also considering the broader significance of such initiatives. The conference was held at the International Conference Room of the Dialogue House at the International Christian University, and 19 support students from 11 universities participated. Five Ukrainian students and one Syrian student also joined, with discussions focusing on the evolving needs of students as their stays in Japan lengthen.
The session began with an opening and an ice-breaker led by students. Afterward, Mr. Orii, the representative of Pathways Japan, shared insights on the outcomes and challenges of previous student meetings and reunion events, and explained the themes and structure of the group work.
This time, group discussions were organized around four themes:
What is required of welcoming students during the enrollment of students with refugee backgrounds?
Creating opportunities for encounters between students with refugee backgrounds and Japanese students
How can welcoming students support students with refugee backgrounds in their job search?
The significance of universities accepting students with refugee backgrounds
Facilitators from student support organizations led each group, and participants rotated between groups to discuss all four themes. After lunch, facilitators summarized the discussions and shared the key points from each group.
Theme 1: What is required of welcoming students during the enrollment of students with refugee backgrounds?
The group discussed the different roles of students, staff, and professors, and how the ability to assist varies by university. There were suggestions for training students on how to engage with refugee students.
Theme 2: Creating opportunities for encounters between students with refugee backgrounds and Japanese students
The group examined the buddy system implemented by various universities, discussing both its successes and challenges.
Theme 3: How can welcoming students support students with refugee backgrounds in their job search?
This group, with a facilitator who had recently completed the job search process in Japan, discussed the preparations needed for job hunting in Japan, such as understanding the Japanese employment system and the lack of career resources for international students.
Theme 4:The significance of universities accepting students with refugee backgrounds
The group discussed the larger impact of educating refugee students, including the positive effect on Japanese students and the university’s image as an international institution.
13th JEPN In-Person Meeting(August 28)
The 14th JEPN in-person meeting was held on August 28 at Rikkyo University. In the morning session, students who had facilitated the Second Student Conference provided a summary of the event. Based on these discussions, university staff and students together delved into the same issues, deepening their understanding and considering future actions.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to job search activities, with a presentation by Ms. Itsue Shimizu from the International Students Association. She shared the current situation and challenges faced by international students in Japan’s job market. Afterward, participants engaged in group discussions about the key takeaways from the presentation and actions they could immediately implement.
Key points from the presentation included not limiting job searches to large companies, the importance of providing information on Japan’s employment system, the necessity of Japanese language skills, and the need for international students to expand their networks and connections within Japanese society.
A challenge raised by the universities was how far they should intervene in supporting students' job searches.
As potential actions, participants discussed enhancing information exchange with career centers, supporting students in building connections with Japanese society, and reviewing methods of providing job-hunting support. The meeting proved to be valuable in strengthening the network and identifying how universities can better support refugee and asylum-seeking students.
Looking Ahead
JEPN will continue to hold regular meetings to support the development of educational pathways for refugee and asylum-seeking students in Japan. Those interested in joining JEPN can contact us through the inquiry form.
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