Office of Student Life and Learning

Mitsui Educational Foundation Study Tour of Japan

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet an interview panel to be convened during the Semester break and may be required to attend another interview in Perth on 22 July

In 1971 the then Chairman and Managing Director of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd., Mr Ken Ejiri AC, established the Mitsui Educational Foundation (MEF). The decision to set up the MEF was then, and is today, based on Mitsui Australia's desire to achieve two objectives:

1. Our parent being one of Japan's leading companies and Mitsui being a responsible corporate citizen, we seek to make a meaningful contribution to the betterment of society
2. Building stronger ties and promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Australia by introducing Australian university students to aspects of Japanese culture, history, business, industry and contemporary lifestyle

Selection Procedure

The MEF selects a total of 8 students per year from 22 universities around Australia to participate in an annual tour of Japan, held in November/December. The 8 participating universities are chosen by MEF Trustees. Each university shortlists candidates and interviews at least 10, to provide Mitsui with a final shortlist of 4 students. Where possible we request the university to put forth an even number of male and female applicants. The 4 shortlisted students are interviewed by the MEF and one candidate is selected to represent their university on the tour.

The Tour

• The 21-day tour provides a balanced experience of corporate, traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.
• All transport, accommodation, insurance and transfer costs are borne by MEF. Students are only responsible for incidental expenses such as snacks, souvenirs and phone calls.
• Tour dates: November 24 - December 14.
• The tour is fully chaperoned by a Japanese-speaking tour leader and tour guides.

The Tour Itinerary

The tour includes visits to Japan's capital Tokyo, ancient capitals Kyoto and Nara, and Hiroshima.

Places visited may include:

• KYOTO and NARA- visiting world-famous historical sites, shrines and temples
• HAKONE- in the foothills of Mt. Fuji, showcases the natural beauty of Japan
• HIROSHIMA- visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum
• TOKYO: ASAKUSA-Famous temple located in downtown Tokyo/ GINZA- Financial and shopping district/ TSUKIJI-Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market

Plants and offices visited may include:

• NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
• SHARP CORPORATION
• TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY
• ASAHI BEER FACTORY

Weekend with Mitsui Prospective Employees

Participants will have the opportunity for cultural exchange through spending a weekend with fourth year Japanese university students who have been recruited as graduates to commence work with Mitsui the following year.

Homestay

For three days participants stay with a Japanese family, allowing a firsthand experience of everyday Japanese life - one of the most rewarding aspects of the tour.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is offered to all students who:-

1. Are full-time, on-campus undergraduate students, second year or above;
2. Are Australian citizens;
3. Are academically capable, but selection is not contingent on high academic achievement;
4. Can clearly demonstrate a keen interest in learning broadly about Japan, and could most benefit from the MEF experience;
5. Will act as outstanding ambassadors for their university, state, and Australia at all times whilst participating in the tour.

**Study of Japan/Japanese language is not required to be eligible for the tour.

Upon returning to Australia the student is required to provide a 4,000-word report on his or her impressions of Japan, and provide a presentation based on this report to the MEF Trustees and Mitsui staff at head office in Sydney in mid-February. Other than this the student is in no way obligated to Mitsui or the Foundation on their return to Australia.

Participants become automatic members of the 289-member MEF Alumni Association, which has chapters in each state/territory of Australia.

More information about the Mitsui Educational Foundation can be found here: www.mitsui.com.au/MitsuiEducationalFoundation.html

For information about Mitsui & Co.'s global business: www.mitsui.co.jp/en/index.html

Applications have now closed