On July 21, the send-off party, networking event, and orientation for the 16th cohort of the "Public-Private Collaborative Overseas Study Support Program 'Tobitate! (Leap for Tomorrow) Study Abroad Initiative -New Japan Representatives Program" took place at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

This program, which promotes study abroad opportunities through collaboration between MEXT and various private companies and organizations, selected approximately 270 students from across Japan for this fiscal year. Among them, five students from Okayama University were chosen, with three participating in the recent events.

The send-off party was attended by the selected students, representatives from supporting companies and organizations, university faculty and staff, and others. After receiving encouragement and congratulations from MEXT Minister MORIYAMA Masahito, the Tobitate! Study Abroad JAPAN Phase 2 Global Human Resource Development Community Council representative secretary SAWADA Jun, entrepreneur SENMOTO Sachio, and senior exchange students provided encouraging remarks. The student representatives also shared their excitement and goals for their upcoming study abroad experiences. Following the orientation, the networking event facilitated engaging interactions among the selected students. Each participant will undergo pre-departure training before heading to their respective destinations. We look forward to witnessing their further development and achievements during their international studies.