As globalization progresses and overseas countries become more accessible, there is a demand for people who can communicate more proactively and smoothly with foreigners. "Communication" means communicating with others. A key element of accurate communication is fully understanding the other person. While improving language skills has been highlighted in this increasingly globalized society, proactive communication requires more than just strong language skills; it also requires an understanding of foreign cultures, their ways of thinking and expression, and their lifestyles—what is known as "international understanding." Surrounded by ocean, Japan is still slow to embrace and understand other cultures, making it far from an environment conducive to developing an international sensibility. Accepting international students allows students to experience different cultures up close, contributing to the globalization of each student and the region.

International students from overseas are expected to engage in cultural exchange with Japanese students and local people with the aim of exchanging the culture of their own country with that of Japan. The main purpose of "studying abroad" is not to improve academic ability, but to connect with the local community through high school experience, cultural study abroad at a cultural school, homestays, and participation in local events, and to provide opportunities for cultural exchange between participating students and those involved in the local community.

As stated in the Tobitate Study Abroad Japan program, Japan is entering an era where it is difficult to predict the future and there are no correct answers. In an era where there are no correct answers, it is said that people will need the ability to carve out their own future. Students from overseas have different ways of thinking, behavior, and lifestyles than Japanese people. During the flexible age of high school, Japanese students can experience diversity by spending time with international students. They can experience the "sense" necessary to carve out their own future.

In addition , we have received support and cooperation from many cultural lecturers, companies in the prefecture, and the International Educational Exchange Network Organization.
With the theme of "things that can only be done in Ibaraki," we will provide international students with the opportunity to try out a variety of Ibaraki cultural experiences. By participating in these cultural experiences together with Japanese students, the students from overseas will be able to learn more about Japan and Ibaraki together with the Japanese students, and by teaching the Japanese students about their own culture, they will be able to learn more about Japan, Ibaraki, and their local area. We hope that by having the participating students spread the word about the quality of Ibaraki and Ibaraki products back in their home countries, they will become known to many people around the world.

Atsuko Otani, Representative of Global Exchange Education