This is the second part of our previous post, “Study Abroad Really Is Amazing.” Tobitate x World Road Post-Program Report
(If you haven’t read the first part yet, check it out here! [LINK])
Dreamer from Indonesia :Margianta Surahman
(Check out Margianta’s Dream Story here[LINK])
What an incredible experience I had on March 15th catching up with our latest TOBITATE returnees! Each student came back transformed in the most inspiring ways.
Looking back at our pre-departure chats, I’m amazed by their growth. These aren’t just students who studied abroad – they’ve become confident global citizens with clear visions for making our world better. They’ve kept their authentic selves while gaining this incredible global perspective.
Being their TOBITATE mentor fills me with pride. These young dreamers prove that when we give youth the chance to explore the world, they come back ready to create positive change.
Dreamer from Singapore: Yunquan Qin
(Check out Yunquan’s Dream Story here[LINK])
I had a really interesting time with the students from Tobitate. Every one of them is full of enthusiasm and aspirations. More importantly their aspirations were to better the good of people in the world than for personal reasons. They had very interesting background stories, and all come with a fresh new perspective of the world. I learnt a lot from their sharing and it was humbling to know how despite their youth, were willing to step out of their comfort zone to confront their fears and insecurities. It’s been both my pleasure being a mentor and a student at the same time. I wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.
Voices from Students
I was happy that they picked up on what I said and asked me so many questions. By putting my thoughts into words, my thinking became much clearer. If I ever get the chance, I would love to meet them in person.
Sharing my aspirations with someone who is actively working in the field boosted my motivation and strengthened my determination to make it happen no matter what.
This time, with my improved English skills, I was able to clearly convey my thoughts, which I couldn’t do well during the pre-training. I felt I became closer to the youth leaders and had conversations where we respected each other. I learned that ‘no matter what others say, it’s okay to pursue what you want to do and love.’ I plan to remember these words when making future decisions.
Conclusion
What did you think of the voices of the Dreamers and participants?
As I listened to everyone’s stories and aspirations, I was once again reminded of how much studying abroad can transform a person. Each and every participant carried a strong passion and determination, and honestly, they were all so inspiring!
By the end of the session, even we, the organizing team, couldn’t help but say, “Wow… I really want to study abroad too!”
I truly hope that this session helped participants verbalize their experiences and take a step forward toward their next challenge.
That’s all from me!
Looking forward to seeing you all again somewhere in the world! 🌍
For more information on the Tobitate Study Abroad Program, click here. [LINK]