Hello, my name is Karen. I recently had the honor of participating as an onset staff in the pre-study-abroad session for the “Tobitate! Ryugaku JAPAN x World Road” program. Today, I want to report on the incredible energy of the students about to take flight into the world, and share the real voices of both the students and the “Dreamers.”
Introduction
The pre-study-abroad session for “Tobitate! Ryugaku JAPAN” (the Leap for Tomorrow! Study Abroad Initiative) is a crucial step for students preparing to study abroad, allowing them to deepen their plans and articulate their own dreams. It is also a precious opportunity to meet global leaders active around the world—known as “Dreamers”—and build connections with the world even before they depart.
Approximately 60 students from across Japan participated in this session (a total of about 250 students across all four sessions). They were welcomed by Dreamers with roots in 14 different countries, including Lebanon, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Kenya, and Azerbaijan(over 20 countries when all four sessions are combined). These mentors, with diverse backgrounds as social entrepreneurs, educators, and healthcare professionals, sincerely engaged with each student’s unique dream.
This training is not merely a place to learn English. A single message permeates the entire program: “Simply being able to speak English is not enough. What’s important is what you can speak about.” The true purpose of this event is for students to deeply confront questions like, “What is my dream?” and “What do I want to achieve through my study abroad?” It’s about learning to speak from the heart, in their own words, while meeting peers with similar aspirations and building a community with people from around the globe.
Time to Rediscover Dreams
Students were divided into groups and through two main sessions, each student had the chance to converse with two Dreamers whose interests and destinations were closely aligned with their own.
The sessions began with introductions from the Dreamers. The students listened with intense focus as they shared their personal experiences and activities. Then, it was time for the students to share their own dreams. At first, the students were nervous, but encouraged by the warm atmosphere created by the dreamers, they gradually gained confidence.
Every dream shared was unique and filled with powerful conviction. As the sessions progressed, the energy in the room grew palpable. Inspired by each other’s aspirations, it was impressive to see students in the second session actively seeking ways to refine their presentations, asking themselves, “How can I make this even more compelling?”
This wasn’t about one-way advice. The Dreamers’ questions—”Why do you think that?” “What would you do?”—encouraged deep self-reflection, bringing the students’ own dreams into much sharper focus.
Voices from Dreamers
How did the passionate ambitions of Japan’s youth, on the verge of their global journeys, appear in the eyes of the Dreamers? Here are some of their voices!
Dreamer from Hong Kong: Chan Iki
(Read Ms. Iki’s Dream Story here [LINK])
Being a part of the “Tobitate” program has not only been about mentoring; it has been a journey of mutual growth. The fresh perspectives and unwavering spirit of the students inspire me to reflect on my own challenges and aspirations. Their stories serve as a reminder that adversity is not merely a hurdle but a catalyst for profound transformation. As I mentor these young dreamers, I encourage them to embrace setbacks as part of their narrative as each failure can be a powerful teacher, guiding them toward innovation and adaptability. Mentoring these students has reaffirmed my belief in the power of resilience and community. I look forward to continuing this journey alongside these inspiring individuals, nurturing their dreams and embracing the beautiful unpredictability of life.
Dreamer from Malaysia: Vivian Chew Pui Cheng
(Read Ms. Vivian’s Dream Story here [LINK])
I was amazed by how far they have come, and even more by how far they could go further. Tobitate scholars have been exceptional in giving me hope in humanity. “Inspiringly uplifting” is the summative sentiment for all the scholars I have met. During the session, I walked with the students through the five steps to create a journey toward their dreams:
1. Recognise what you love to do.
2. Be in a space that honours your talent.
3. Experience a limitless world.
4. Craft our journeys, build dreams into reality with fun.
5. Ever evolve with your present dreams.
Through these simple steps, they were able to dream big, fun, and free, without a doubt. The time spent with them was a truly beautiful and fun experience, and I will cherish this time forever. It was truly a beautiful and fun experience we had together, and I will forever cherish the time I had with them.
Dreamer from Syria: Salam Kanhoush
(Read Mr. Salam’s Dream Story here [LINK])
For me, this is always a special moment, connecting with bright and passionate young minds just before they embark on their journeys. Each student carries a different dream (to learn something entirely new, deepen their expertise, or bring fresh ideas home to spark change in their communities). That commitment to giving back is something I deeply admire.
This year’s session was also full of energy. We explored their ambitions (from tackling global sustainability issues to building cross-cultural bridges) and reflected on the challenges and opportunities of living in a different culture. To me, storytelling is more than words; it’s a bridge that connects, empowers, and inspires action. I can’t wait to see how these unfold and create impact.
Voices from the Participants
After connecting with the world, what were the students’ takeaways from the session? Here are a few of their reflections!
Student A (Study Abroad Destination: UK): “I truly felt that hearing not just the vision someone aims for, but also the story and background leading up to it, fosters empathy for their dream. I realized how skilled the dreamers are at self-disclosure.”
Student B (Study Abroad Destination: Belgium) “By actually sharing my dream with people from overseas, I learned how to convey the ‘why’ behind my dream in a much more compelling way.”
Student C (Study Abroad Destination: Germany) “The idea that English isn’t the only common language really struck me. Through actual dialogue with Dreamers worldwide, I was deeply moved by their willingness to listen even to my poor English. I learned firsthand that the attitude of listening and the desire to communicate are truly the common language.”
Student D (Study Abroad Destination: China): “The Dreamers possessed the tips for connecting with people and a breadth of knowledge. I thought, ‘This is what a true global leader must be like.’ Above all, their gentle and captivating way of interacting with people made me want to become that kind of person myself.”
Participant E (Study Abroad Destination: United States): “The Dreamer from America engaged with us with incredible energy, even late at night. They listened to me with genuine enthusiasm and generously shared support information. It made me truly feel that we are being supported by someone. I want to do this kind of activity for someone else and pass on the kindness.”
Their Stories Begin Here
The faces of the students as they left the session were completely transformed, filled with confidence and hope. Of course, the primary goal isn’t English proficiency itself. However, there were surely some students who felt the frustration of “I want to say more, but the words won’t come out.”
This pre-study-abroad session is merely the prologue to a chapter of their lives called “studying abroad.” I sincerely hope that one day, when they have completed their challenges around the world and look back on this day, they can say with pride, “I couldn’t say it all back then, but now, I can share my dream and my passion in my own words.”
We wish you all the best on your journey! We are so excited to see your dreams blossom even further on the world stage!
Learn more about the Tobitate! Ryugaku JAPAN initiative here [LINK]