The non-profit organization glolab coordinator, Hitomi, spoke at the 17th exchange meeting of the Association for Language and Culture Education and Research (ALCE), “University Entrance for High School Students with Connections to Foreign Countries: Reconsidering the Examination System.”

Background of the Seminar

　In a survey conducted after the online seminar held in March, many people said, “There is no place to study specialized knowledge on career support for students with immigrant background. Many people commented that they would like to see a place where they can exchange information and study.

Overview

■ Date and time: Sep 4th 2021
■ Theme: “University Entrance for High School Students with Connections to Foreign Countries: Reconsidering the Examination System.”
■ Form: Online
■ Participants: 35
■ Speaker: Mika Hitomi, coordinator of glolab, a non-profit organization; coordinators from other organizations and participants
■ Agenda：

　　　1.　Interview with each of the three speakers by ALCE staff

　　　2.　Questions and answers with the participants in breakout rooms

　　　3.　Reflections among participants

　　　4.　General reflections

Report

The ALCE started the “Exchange Meeting” in 2018, and aims to have a mutually constructive dialogue with participants from diverse backgrounds in an equal relationship. This time, the event was held to share information and deepen understanding of the structural and institutional problems that high school students with foreign roots are facing when they aim to go to university. 

3 speakers, Hitomi from glolab, coordinators from other organizations, and people who have gone to university took the stage.

　First, each speaker was interviewed by an ALCE representative, and Hitomi from glolab talked about how glolab is working to support children with foreign roots to develop their careers independently.

Next, the session was divided into breakout rooms to answer questions from the participants. We received a variety of questions from teachers and university researchers who are actually providing support in the field.

　Among them, Hitomi talked about the necessity of deepening the understanding of residence status, scholarships, and the entrance examination system. By deepening the understanding, I think it may lead to changes in the system.

It was reported that the participants were highly satisfied with our session. I would like to continue to promote the activities of glolab so that there will be more interest in high school students with foreign roots.

The activity report of Glareco was posted on the ALCE website. Please take a look.

Report author: Mika Hitomi