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UNESCO Beijing Office welcomes the visit of Japanese students from Tohoku University
On 26th September 2023, UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia in Beijing welcomed the visit of eleven students from Tohoku University, Japan. This group of bachelor’s and master’s degree students are pursuing their studies in pedagogy, education and psychology. The students were accompanied by the Professor. Jing Liu, Associate Professor from the Graduate School of Education at Tohoku University. The travelled to China to engage with Chinese University for research and exchange of ideas and dialogue on different areas of study and research. The aim of the courtesy visit to UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia in Beijing was to familiarize with the work UNESCO at the global and regional level, especially the Education Sector Programme of UNESCO, and engage in a fruitful dialogue on global education trends and education system and University programmes in Japan.
Mr. Robert Parua, Education Programme Specialist of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, greeted the students and warmly welcomed them to UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office in Beijing. He highlighted in his welcome remarks that UNESCO is looking towards strengthening bi-lateral engagement and collaboration with Tohoku University. The students were provided with a comprehensive overview of the UNESCO global education programme, the global strategy, mission and vision of UNESCO, and the UNESCO global education programme and work of UNESCO in the East Asia region. The students were reminded of the SDG4 and 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Prof. Jing Liu from Tohoku University introduced the purpose of their visit and invited the students to deliver three project presentations about the education system in Japan. In their presentations, students highlighted relevant issues that they believe could be relevant and provided policy options resolve some of the education challenges. Their presentations focused on the Japanese entrance exam system, the reality of teachers in Japan and Japanese cram schools. They emphasized on several underlying problems that exist in the Japanese education system, including the high costs involved in the enrolment of the entrance exam, the causes of additional pressure and stress for students, the challenges of supplementary tutoring, and the overtime work service and conditions of Japanese teachers.
After each presentation, Mr. Parua provided his feed and suggested best policy recommendations to resolve the existing educational challenges. The students in their presentations have highlighted the need for improved counseling, teaching and support system while preparing for their examinations. The students highlighted that it is the important to prioritize mental health, the need to find mechanisms to alleviate the financial burden of education from parents, and the acknowledgement of work and responsibilities undertaken by teachers at all levels in the education system.
The visit of the Japanese students from Tohoku University to the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia in Beijing represented a very valuable opportunity for UNESCO to further strengthen collaboration with UNESCO Multi-Sectoral Office for East Asia. The major outcome of the meeting was the exchange of ideas between the students and Professor to enhance collaboration with UNESCO Multi -Sectoral Regional Office for East Asia.
