The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities-Asia Pacific 2025 Global Leadership Program (GLP25) was an eye-opening and enriching experience. Travelling to Japan together with another student and a chaperone, I carried a simple yet meaningful hope: to practise speaking English with international friends, to build connections across cultures, and to form lasting relationships that would inspire a spirit of cooperation for the future.
What I found in Tokyo exceeded my expectations. I participated in many activities with students from 10 Jesuit universities across Asia Pacific. On the first day, we greeted one another warmly and introduced our universities. I was filled with joy to meet new friends from prestigious universities, who not only had excellent English skills but also a genuine openness to share and learn together.
Under the theme “Education and Cross-Border Cooperation for Sustainable Development,” GLP25, held from 4 to 8 August at Sophia University, highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation as a model for building a more inclusive future.
To highlight this point, we visited the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), where we learnt about projects that develop leaders devoted to serving their communities. We also visited the United Nations University (UNU), an institution dedicated to research and education that plays a vital role in fostering global partnerships for sustainable development. After our field studies, we worked together in groups to present our findings through brainstorming sessions, exchanging diverse perspectives that broadened my understanding.
Looking back on the five days of GLP25, I realised how essential cooperation across cultures truly is. Working with peers from different backgrounds, languages, and traditions taught me that sustainable development can only happen when we listen to and learn from one another. Although I struggled at times with communication and did not always fully grasp the context of discussions, these challenges became valuable lessons. They reminded me that growth begins with humility, and my limitations are not obstacles but invitations to improve.
Most of all, this experience has deepened my determination to strengthen my English skills and to continue building friendships beyond borders. It was my very first overseas study trip, and it left a lasting impression on my heart. I am truly grateful to the priests, teachers, and those who gave me this opportunity to represent my school. It was more than an academic experience but a call to use knowledge, love, and service to contribute meaningfully to a shared and sustainable future.
