About AYF Program

AYF stands for Asian Youth Fellowship. Participants are scheduled for a 7 month Japanese language course in The Japanese-Language Institute Kansai. After that they proceed to graduate school in Japan. They come from 10 ASEAN countries and Bangladesh. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh. One of the aims of this program is to establish regional network in Asia.

To enter post-graduates studies in Japanese Universities, 2008 Participants were scheduled to learn Japanese in The Japanese-Language Institute Kansai from July, 22, 2008 to February, 24, 2009. Participants also received general knowledge about Japanese culture and traditions by visiting cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, etc. Another was to successfully pass university entrance examinations, and be skillful in Japanese, participants were to practice Japanese everyday and always be eager to learn more and more.

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita

[Written by Aung (Myanmar), Translated by Pete (Thailand): AYF 13th Batch]

Since I was small, my impression of Japan was that it was comfortable place to live and that it was a very modern country with excellent technology. That is why I have always been interested in Japanese culture and education. After graduation from my country, fortunately I obtained one scholarship, Asian Youth Fellowship (AYF) scholarship. This is my stepping stone into my dream.

The Japanese-Language Institute Kansai

Kansai Center is the best for Japanese Language study, and international cooperation. I definitely enjoyed for friends, all Sensei, numerous cultural trips and study tours, hotel-like rooms, the scenery from the lounge room, karaoke room, and musical instruments. The seven months I spent studying Japanese language at the Kansai Center, really helped me, improve my Japanese language and international relationship.

Experience of Japanese Culture

Living in Kansai Center, I was able to learn Japanese way of living style, Japanese food, Japanese tea ceremony, including taking a bath, music and as so on. Especially I was very surprised at seeing Japanese public bath. I tried a Japanese public bath as well. Firstly I felt shy very much but it was a good experience for me.

Studying Japanese

I have not any problems studying in Kansai Center. It is because our Senseis are very knowledgeable, cooperative and very kind. If I asked the question, they would immediately explain with great care. What is more, I can do my study in very good environment. All of my friends treat me cheerfully, kindly and help me right away if I am in need. I love the smiles on the face of Sensei and my friends more than anything else.

I am glad I studied, came to Japan and, thanks to all I was fortunately studied at Kansai Center.

“Sometimes the honest one becomes the extraordinary one”.

So I would like to ask to our Asian Youth Fellowship (AYF) program ------

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita.

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita.

What do you think about AYF?

AYF Program is great. Now, I can really talk in Japanese. By living in the Institute, I also have the chance to meet many kinds of people from different countries. I experienced many things, learnt various Japanese culture and traditions. Preparation for entering Japanese university is well supported by teachers and AYF staffs. Another thing, because of a developed AYF network, there are many alumni everywhere in Japan. This program is very enjoyable.
Vansok （Cambodia, AYF　12th　batch）

I think that AYF program is different with any other scholarships. The teachers here are very nice, well experienced, and have an interesting way of teaching. The centre where we live in is also very clean and has a great view. I am very happy to be an AYF student.
Jay (Thailand, AYF 12th batch)