Greetings from the President
The Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) conducts programs to support both Japanese students and international students, and to enhance the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers as well as the overall quality of Japanese language education, aiming to advance education and scholarship and promote mutual understanding and goodwill among nations.
JEES was originally established in 1957 as the Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ) to serve as a central institution for accepting and supporting international students. In 2004, AIEJ consolidated its operations with five related foundations, and as a result, the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) was established, while AIEJ was restructured as the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). In 2012, JEES transitioned to a public interest incorporated foundation and further broadened its range of support programs for both Japanese and international students.
At present, JEES undertakes a wide range of programs, such as the provision of scholarships, disaster compensation programs, the operation of a scholarship loan guarantee system, and the administration of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Each of these programs serves an important role in enhancing the educational and learning environment.
As part of our scholarship programs, we provide the “JEES Scholarships” and the “Sponsor-Crowned Scholarships,” which are funded through donations from corporations and individuals. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden of both Japanese and international students and enhance their learning and research outcomes. In total, nearly 1,000 students have received these scholarships.
For disaster compensation related to students’ educational and research activities, we operate the “Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research,” which provides necessary compensation for accidents during educational and research activities. Approximately 85% of university and technical college students nationwide are enrolled, and we provide a vital foundation for students to pursue their student life safely. We also implement Comprehensive Renters’ Insurance for Foreign Students Studying in Japan to promote accommodation in private residences for international students, helping them adjust smoothly to life in Japan.
In addition, JEES operates the loan guarantee program associated with scholarship loans provided by JASSO. Through this program, we help create an environment in which motivated and capable students can continue their studies independently, based on their own will and responsibility, without being hindered by financial difficulties.
Furthermore, JEES administers the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) as part of its programs to improve Japanese language proficiency and Japanese language education standards for non-native speakers. The number of applicants has been increasing due to the growing number of foreign residents in Japan. The JLPT is also used for purposes such as residence status certification and admission to educational institutions, and its social role has grown accordingly. In addition, JEES administers the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test, which evaluates the basic knowledge and skills required for teaching Japanese, and it is widely used in educational institutions both in Japan and abroad.
By steadily carrying out these programs, JEES will continue to support Japanese students, international students, and learners of Japanese, helping them study with confidence and to lead fulfilling lives. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation in our activities.
