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Preparation begins once
delegates send in their acceptance to the conference. All delegates are
required to write and present a research paper on a topic relevant to
their roundtable topic. As in-person meetings before the actual
conference are difficult due to geographical differences, roundtable
leaders encourage delegates to participate in online meetings, get to
know their roundtable members, and play an active role in constructing
the RT format.
The Conference is
centered on the activities of the seven roundtables in which delegates
participate in intense discussions to analyze their opinions and
develop real world solutions. There will also be opportunities to meet
various specialists, leaders, and professors as well as relevant site
visits during the month of meetings.
Different from the
roundtable topics, delegates partake in smaller discussion groups led
by the delegates themselves. These informal sessions help to create a
foundation for mutual understanding, social awareness, cultural
sensitivity, and exchange of ideas. Selection of special topics is left
to the minds of the delegates in order to best promote an environment
where one can pursue subjects of interest.
Past topics include
“Food Education,” “The Japanese Brand,” “The roles of Japan and the
U.S. in the G8 and International Governing Organizations,” “What is
Culture?” and “Revisiting Article 9.”
Usually held at the end
of each site, all delegates gather to freely share their thoughts and
concerns in regard to the conference. Through open dialogue between the
delegates and the Executive Committee members, the conference is able
to adapt to the functional needs of the delegates.
In addition to each
overarching theme of the conference, we invite professors and leaders
from various fields of study to give lectures and panel discussions
with delegates. In doing so, delegates are able to learn more from the
specialists and expand their academic knowledge about a variety of
topics. The forums and discussions are often led by our roundtable
groups, thus presenting the unique views of students to the audience
members.
At our Final Form held
at the last site, all roundtables present the results of their
month-long discussion as well as a summary of the entire conference.
All of our forums are open and publicized to the general public.
Besides the JASC
discussions and activities, delegates also participate in a homestay.
Paired with two or three of their fellow JASCers, this opportunity
provides the chance for the delegates to bond amongst themselves,
interact with members of the local community, and learn more about them
while sharing their own thoughts and experiences as well.
The JASC experience does
not end with the month long conference. Delegates frequently continue
to keep in touch with each other, often maintaining the friendship
throughout their entire life. Both the Japan and the U.S. side create
conference report booklets, which include summaries of forums,
discussions, photos, and final messages to each other.
Click here for a list of specific activities from past Conferences.
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