Upcoming Forum: February 13-19, 2021 Hosted by University of Alberta

Theme

The theme of this year’s Student Forum is: “Youth During and After the Pandemic: A Proposal for the New Normal”.

The goal of this online forum is to offer space for conversations to explore the impact of the pandemic on young people and to stay connected with international academic community. COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the future of today’s young people, restricting their opportunities to learn and work. As problems linger, including economic uncertainty, stereotypes against young people, isolation, and unemployment, we need to think together of ways to empower our lives at this time of crisis. Despite these challenges, some people have discovered benefits in this changed lifestyle. Through sharing experiences, participants will come up with ideas about the New Normal for the young generation, focusing on questions such as:

1. What are the largest challenges during the time of pandemic?
2. How can we be inspired by this crisis?
3. What does your “New Normal” look like?
4. What sorts of new ideas and experiments have emerged to reduce the negative impact during the time of pandemic?
5. In what areas can young people play active roles in this situation?
6. What are the methods to stay connected to the community, motivate oneself, and keep engaging with others?
7. What do you expect policymakers and the governments to do for the protection of young vulnerable people?

Your presentation video will be shared with your universities and government representatives in Canada and Japan.

Description

With mixed-teams involving students from both Canadian and Japanese universities, the forum consists of the following:

• Lectures
• Group work based on different topics
• Pre-assignment to prepare for group work
• Final presentation
• Final report

This program is open to anyone with a general interest in this year’s topic. We welcome applications from students in all academic disciplines. Since all activities will be conducted in English, no prior knowledge of the Japanese language is necessary.

Place

Online

Schedule (Tentative)

Due to the time difference, synchronous meeting hours vary. Please check the detailed schedule.

Conditions for Selection of Participants

Undergraduate students or graduate students enrolled in the JACAC member institutions are eligible to apply, though the preference will be given to senior undergraduate students. Successful applicants should demonstrate a strong academic performance, interest and experiences in extra-curricular activities, and be a good team-player.

They must fulfill all of the following requirements:

• Approximately 12 participants each from Japan and Canada will be selected. (* As a rule, we recommend one participant and one alternate from each JACAC member institution.)
• Proficient enough in English to prepare materials, participate in discussions, and deliver presentations
• Highly motivated students who possess a strong interest in the applicable year’s forum theme. Prior to the forum, participants should prepare themselves for fruitful discussion by researching on a specific topic of their interest relevant to the main theme
• Be able to participate in all the planned activities of the forum
• No withdrawal will be allowed after participants are selected. Students must fully understand the requirements and the details of the program before submitting their applications.

Cost

Participation Fee: Free

How to Apply

Canadian Students

Application deadline: Please check your own university’s schedule
Canadian students should submit the following to their own universities:

• Complete application form
• Original copy of academic transcript(s)
• Statement of Intent; details include:
  • 500 words maximum
  • Please be sure to include the following points:
    • How will this program benefit you in your current academic program
    • Comment on any experience working in a team

Canadian Application Form (PDF)
Canadian Application Form (Word)

Japanese Students

Application Deadline: Please check your own university’s schedule (Application will start from the end of September)
Japanese Students should submit the following to their own universities

• Complete application form
• Original copy of academic transcript(s)

Japanese Application Form (PDF)
Japanese Application Form (Word)

Method of Selection

Review of documents by Japan-Canada Student Forum Committee

Note

We thank all applicants for their interests; however, only those individuals selected for participation in the Forum will be contacted. The winners will be announced in early November by the Prince Takamado Japan Centre, University of Alberta.