Every year the MEF sponsors eight Australian university students to participate in a three week study tour of Japan which introduces the students to Japanese culture, history, business, industry and contemporary lifestyles

The MEF selects eight students from universities around Australia to participate in a study tour of Japan, held in November of each year.

PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES

The MEF works with 22 partner universities from across Australia

Each year the Foundation selects eight universities on a rotational basis to participate in the program.

In 2012 the following universities will participate:
   University of Western Sydney
   University of Wollongong
   Macquarie University
   RMIT University
   La Trobe University
   University of Queensland
   University of Western Australia
   Curtin University of Technology

TOUR DETAILS

The 21 day tour consists of visits to culturally and historically significant locations,industrial sites, factories, offices, schools and universities. The tour offers opportunities for people-to-people exchange through a home-stay, as well as the opportunity to socialise with Japanese university students recruited to join Mitsui as graduates. All transport, accommodation, and activity fees are born by the Mitsui Educational Foundation, and participants are accompanied by a Japanese speaking chaperone from Mitsui Australia.

Cities and regions visited include:
   Tokyo
   Hakone
   Kyoto and Nara
   Hiroshima

Factories and offices visited include:
   Mitsui & Co Ltd
   Nippon Steel Corporation
   Toyota Motor Company
   Sharp Corporation
   Asahi Breweries Ltd

Homestay
One of the most rewarding aspects of the tour is an arranged home-stay. For three days, students stay with a Japanese family in the city of Chigasaki, Kanagawa allowing a close up view of everyday Japanese life.

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

Our criteria for nominees are:

   be outstanding ambassadors for the university, state, and Australia at all times whilst in Japan;
   be academically capable, but selection is not contingent on high academic achievement
   can clearly demonstrate a keen interest in learning broadly about Japan, and could most benefit from this MEF experience;
   are full time undergraduate students, second year or more, from any campus and faculty in your university’s nominated state
          or territory; and
   are Australian citizens.

Note: Japanese language ability and/or study of Japan are not required for participation in the tour.

Other than providing a written report of 3,000 words on impressions and experiences in Japan, the student is in no way obligated to Mitsui or the Foundation on their return to Australia

Selection Process

A nominated department / representative at each participating university will accept applications and shortlist applicants, through the interview process.
The university will put forward four candidates for the MEF to interview from which one will be selected to participate in the tour.

To apply

In 2012 participating universities will promote this opportunity through posters, email, and/or their university website. Applications should be made to the nominated department or/ representative.

TRUSTEES

Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. Trustees:
   Mr Daisaburo Akita - Chairman & Managing Director.
   Mr Masahiko Saito- Deputy Managing Director.

External Trustees:
   Mr John Menadue AO - Formerly Australian Ambassador to Japan, CEO Qantas Airways Ltd and Director, Telstra.
   Professor WIlliam Purcell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (International), University of Technology Sydney.
   Mr D Lex Webb - Former Senior Executive, National Australia Bank.
   Mr Michael Wynter - Partner, McCullough Robertson.