Vulcanus in Japan 2024/25 Completion Ceremony and Alumni Get Together

Congratulations to all the Vulcanus in Japan students for the 2024/25 internship year, celebrated along with alumni. 
On 14 March, the Vulcanus in Japan 2024/25 Completion Ceremony and Alumni Get Together events were held at Europe House in Tokyo. The Ambassador of the EU to Japan, Jean-Eric Paquet, opened the event by encouraging the participants to strengthen EU-Japan relations and participated in a photo session. Subsequently, in a presentation titled "Success Stories After the Vulcanus Programme", three former alumni shared their journeys and provided valuable insights for current students.  Finally, Manuel Hubert, Managing Director of the EU-Japan Centre, awarded all 18 students of the 2024/25 session with certificates in recognition of their achievements. Thank you to all the former alumni and guests, who joined us to celebrate them.

Following the competition ceremony, a small reception was held with around 70 people, including current students, alumni, guests from the host companies, language school teachers, and market research coaches. 
The presentations and ceremony promoted communication among the participants, deepened their understanding, and raised interest. Former alumni and current students exchanged opinions with each other, sharing their work experiences in Japanese companies and discussing how they improved their practical skills through specific work experiences. Students received valuable advice for their future studies and career paths. The participants felt the significance of this kind of networking activity, and many expressed their expectations for the next event. The event ended with the "ippon-jime" (a unique Japanese clapping to celebrate the conclusion of a special event), and participants promised to return again.

Among the alumni speakers were: Mr. Saša Goran (Vulcanus in Japan 2014/15), Senior structural analysis engineer, Axelspace; Mr. Diego Fuerte (Vulcanus in Japan 2014/15), Talent Director, EY Strategy and Consulting; Ms. Maria Maslova (Vulcanus in Japan 2023/24), Obayashi Corporation. 

Vulcanus in Japan started in 1997. The 8-month-long programme for European students in engineering and other scientific fields consists of a seminar about Japan, an intensive Japanese language course, and an industrial placement. (Japanese website for interested companies.)