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International Education Market Insight: JapanOctober 2020SummaryThe Japanese government is easing or relaxing various restrictions and is implementing an economic stimulus packageP-12 schools have fully reopened and almost all universities have begun face-to-face classesUniversity partnerships are active and there has been positive feedback to online study tour programsOnline programs could lower the barrier for students who are not yet confident to travel overseas for study, although it is important to note that Japan is a ‘try before you buy’ market.Recent success for VictoriaThe Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) office in Japan has run a series of webinars to promote online short-term and long-term programs of select Victorian education providers, targeted at Japanese university academics and staff. The delivery of Virtual Study Tour programs has been well received for the Japanese semester breaks (August-September and February-March). The VGTI also helped facilitate the Australia-Japan Tertiary Education Webinar in September, which involved a panel discussion between Australian and Japanese universities on the current situation and new emerging opportunities. Over 100 participants from both Australian universities and TAFEs, as well as Japanese university academics and international office staff, took part in what is expected to be a first of many webinars. Current Market StatusCoronavirus responseStarting in October 2020, Japan is beginning to partially reopen its borders. A blanket travel ban still applies for Australians, and residents of over 158 other country, looking to enter Japan. But now foreign nationals can apply for travel exemptions to enter Japan for business or other reasons expect for tourism. Strick pre-conditions apply. The Japanese government has also relaxed rules limiting the size of crowds at professional sports, concerts and other events from 19 September 2020, in a bid to expand social and economic activity.Economic conditionsThe Japanese Government has called on the public and community to take action to prevent the spread of infection, while also providing subsidies to encourage travel, events and eating out. Two such economic stimulus program are the ‘Go To Travel’ and ‘Go To Eat’ campaigns in Japan.According to the Mizuho Research Institute, GDP growth for the 2020 fiscal year is forecast to be in decline -6.0%, with the economy not expected to fully rebound from this downturn. GDP growth in fiscal year 2021 is forecast at +3.4%, with this slow recovery attributable to the continuation of partial restrictions and uncertainty of a resurgence in infections. Exports and imports have also been significantly impacted. According to the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training, exports and imports fell more than 25 per cent In May. This has improved slight in August 2020 but imports were still down by 20 per cent and exports down by 15 per cent. The education sectorAlmost all universities have started face-to-face classes from this Autumn semester. About 20 per cent are face-to-face only, while about 80 per cent are still a hybrid of face-to-face and remote learning. The Ministry of Education has strongly encouraged all universities to reopen their campuses.OpportunitiesDespite the challenges of recent months, there are opportunities in Japan as an education market, particularly in terms of short-term online study tours and English + alpha programs. Although online programs are not the ideal option, and demand to study abroad remains high, Japanese universities remain hopeful to provide opportunities for their students during this unprecedented period. However, it is important to understand some characteristics of the Japanese student market, and how to cater for this in an online and digital environment.A ‘try before you buy’ marketJapan tends to be a ‘try before you buy’ market, with trials and tasters an important consideration before making commitments. Therefore, online programs, particularly short-term programs, can be a trial for students who are not confident enough, or able to, travel abroad in the current circumstances. Online programs may therefore be a valuable investment for the future when studying abroad, in person, is possible. Further, for students to commit to online programs, a free trial or taster may be an attractive element to students. An interactive international experienceThe Japanese also tend to value the whole experience of studying abroad, for example experiencing Australian culture through homestays and meeting different people who could become lifelong friends. In this current situation, many Japanese universities and academics considered it difficult to facilitate this type of experience online. However, an online e-buddy system between students, which has been offered by some innovation programs, have been positively received. Indeed, for Japanese students, the opportunity to interact with local students, either online or in person, as part of an international experience, is highly valued. Given the large time difference with North American and European competitors, Australia does have an advantage in this aspect with their online program offerings. Example of a successful online programOne example of a successful online program has been Swinburne University of Technology’s 3-week virtual study tour ‘English for Real Life’, targeting Japanese university students. Following a free live-streamed trial, the study tour program attracted 29 students who were keen to improve their English conversation skills (IELTS 3.5 to 4.5 levels). Swinburne’s local students also participated in an e-buddy meetup discussion program with the Japanese students. This program was very well-received by the Japanese students, and Swinburne is now considering how to further improve and deliver the online program in the future.Contact and further informationPlease contact Makoto Sanada, Education Services Manager - Japan if you have questions or want to follow up on the information in this update: Makoto.sanada@global..au ................
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