21 Students Selected for AFS Intercultural Programmes: Cultural Exchange in Japan

21 students, including 15-year-old Priyanshu, were chosen for the AFS intercultural programme to learn Japanese culture. Selected through interviews and language skills, students will stay with host families in Japan. Priyanshu emphasized Google and YouTube's role in learning Japanese. The initiative promotes cultural understanding.

In a significant development, 21 students have been selected under the AFS (After Foreign Service) intercultural programmes and will travel to Japan to immerse themselves in its culture. Among the selected students, 15-year-old Priyanshu shared that he utilized Google and YouTube to learn Japanese, which proved instrumental in securing his spot.

The student exchange programme, facilitated by Japan's external ministry, focuses on student exchanges and extracurricular activities. Priyanshu explained, 'Students are selected based on interviews and are then placed with families in Japan to gain firsthand cultural exposure.' Priyanshu highlighted the structured selection process which includes a main application form, cultural knowledge criteria, and a final interview round before visa and passport formalities.

Notably, this year's selection includes 11 students from India, hailing from various regions like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Madhya Pradesh, while others come from Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. AFS, an international non-governmental, non-profit organization, aims to provide students with the skills and understanding needed to foster strong cultural connections between countries. The programme offers invaluable intercultural learning opportunities to students from affiliated schools.

(With inputs from agencies.)