NYK Conducts Short-term Maritime Exchange Program for Students in Japan and the Philippines
Restarting Exchange after Five-Year COVID Pause, First Participation by Female Students from Japan
NYK (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha) recently hosted a successful short-term international student exchange program from August 19 to September 2. This program brought together students from Japan’s top maritime schools and the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) in the Philippines. The goal of this program was to help students from both countries develop a global perspective and make new friends from different cultures.
A total of 31 students from Japan, representing Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, and the Toyama, Hiroshima, and Yuge colleges of the National Institute of Technology, participated. These students got the chance to interact with their peers from NTMA.
Program Objectives
The main aim of this student exchange program was to teach students how to work with people from different countries and cultures. The program allowed them to stay in each other’s countries for about a week, attend classes, do hands-on training, and explore different places. Students aspiring to become seafarers experienced different languages and cultures through lectures, practical sessions, and sightseeing. After a five-year break, the program resumed this year.
Schedule of Events
The student exchange was conducted in three phases:
- August 19-26: Students from Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and Nagasaki University visited NTMA in the Philippines.
- August 23-September 2: Students from Toyama, Hiroshima, and Yuge colleges of the National Institute of Technology visited NTMA.
- October 20-26: NTMA students will travel to Japan, visiting the Hiroshima College of the National Institute of Technology, NYK’s headquarters, and NYK Group companies.
Activities and Experiences
While in the Philippines, the students from Japan attended classes in maritime English and Japanese. They also had hands-on training, including dismantling pumps and using navigation instruments, both essential skills for future seafarers. The students also toured NYK’s nearby training facility, NETI (NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc.), participated in a sports festival, and explored the city of Manila.
A special highlight this year was the participation of three Japanese female students, thanks to the opening of NTMA’s new women’s dormitory on July 1. These students were able to take part in the exchange program for the first time.
When NTMA students visit Japan in October, they will study at the Hiroshima College of the National Institute of Technology and visit NYK’s offices and partner companies.
Student Reflections
Many of the students shared positive reflections on the program. A Japanese student said, “I’ve learned the importance of respecting others and not just focusing on myself.” Another mentioned, “I love the cheerful and active nature of the Filipino people.” NTMA students also enjoyed the program, with one stating, “It was great to exchange information about the maritime industry and our future careers.” Others shared that their time together created lasting memories.
NTMA President’s Thoughts
NTMA President Antonio Ramos Dael expressed his satisfaction with the program. He said, “This project is very meaningful to NTMA. We are grateful for the ties and friendships we’ve built with Japan through this exchange. We hope the student participants from both Japan and the Philippines will play important roles in the future, not only in the shipping industry but also in their own communities as captains, engineers, and leaders.”
NYK’s Commitment to the Future
NYK is dedicated to supporting the education and growth of young people who will shape the future of the maritime industry. By working with schools and research institutions in Japan and abroad, NYK aims to develop the next generation of maritime professionals.
