Scholarship opens doors in Japan

Final year Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) student Tim Leach recently returned from a two week, fully paid tour of Japan.

Tim was selected from more than 100 Monash applicants for the Mistui Educational Foundation tour.

The Foundation selects a total of 10 students a year from ten universities around Australia to participate in a tour of Japan.

The tour introduces students to various aspects of Japanese culture, history, business and contemporary lifestyles.

Tim said participating in the Mitsui Education Foundation study tour was an incredible experience.

"Every day we made new and intriguing discoveries and were exposed to an incredible mix of traditional, contemporary, corporate and technological elements of Japanese culture," Tim said.

The students visited famous Japanese brands including Toyota, Sharp, and Nippon Steel as well as Tokyo and temples in Kyoto and Nara.

The packed itinerary included a homestay with a Japanese family allowing the students to appreciate daily life in Japan.

"Our visit to Hiroshima was deeply moving - from the place where humankind unleashed one of its greatest evils, such a determined message of unity has arisen," Tim said.

Tim said the study tour opened his eyes to the diversity of opportunities available outside Australia.

"Japanese industry operates on such a large scale and it was great to be exposed to their vast, yet efficient, business practices," Tim said.

"The trip has really inspired me to pursue a career abroad particularly in the industrial and financial sectors.

"I am very grateful to the Monash Scholarships Department and Mitsui for making the whole amazing experience possible - I cannot recommend it enough."

For more information about the Mitsui Education Foundation Tour visit the Monash scholarships website.