Newsletter

During the briefing session, ISI Japanese Language School shared the achievements of its refugee support initiatives. The session highlighted how the school’s structured Japanese language curriculum of up to two years supports refugees in building long-term independence in Japan by preparing them not only for daily communication but also for further education and career opportunities.

According to a 2025 survey of current students, 63.6% of respondents rated their studies at ISI Japanese Language School as “very helpful,” while 36.4% said they were “helpful.” Students also shared how they have been applying the Japanese language skills gained at ISI in various aspects of daily life, including communicating at medical facilities and interacting with colleagues in the workplace.

(Details:: https://www.weworld.co.jp/en/news/1258/ )

Following the briefing session, representatives from UNHCR toured the Shinjuku Campus, exploring the school’s learning facilities and multicultural educational environment, where students from diverse backgrounds study together.

The main session featured a discussion with two scholarship recipients—one from Ukraine and one from Iran—who enrolled in January this year and are currently studying in intermediate-level classes at the Shinjuku Campus, along with faculty and staff members and representatives from UNHCR. The session was also joined by a graduate of the program who now works at WEWORLD, who shared their experiences.

Reflecting on the language barriers and uncertainties they faced when they first arrived in Japan, the students shared—in the Japanese they have acquired through their studies at ISI—how their studies at ISI Japanese Language School have transformed their daily lives. They also spoke about their aspirations of pursuing higher education in Japan and building careers in journalism, receiving warm encouragement from representatives of UNHCR and WEWORLD.

Messages from Participants

── Fumiko Kashiwa, Representative of UNHCR Japan

“It is truly encouraging to see a Japanese educational institution providing such sustained and meaningful support, and we are deeply grateful for these efforts. We look forward to working closely together as strong partners in raising awareness and promoting greater understanding of refugees.”

── Scholarship Recipient from Ukraine (Hoping to Become a Journalist)

“I began learning Japanese for the first time after coming to Japan, and although its grammar can be challenging at times, I am grateful for the environment at ISI Japanese Language School, where I can steadily build my skills every day over the course of two years. Currently, I work part-time at a restaurant in Asakusa, which provides a valuable opportunity to put my Japanese into practice. Through communicating with local residents and building meaningful connections, I have come to realize just how important it is to continue improving my Japanese language skills.”

── Scholarship Recipient from Iran (Considering Medical School)

“In the past, I often felt frustrated because I was unable to communicate my needs clearly when dealing with administrative procedures at government offices. Since starting over from the basics at ISI Japanese Language School, I have gained confidence in my daily life. I see myself not simply as a ‘foreigner,’ but as a member of the local community. To that end, I will continue studying so that I can use Japanese naturally and confidently as my own language.”

──Atsushi Iwabuchi, Homeroom Teacher at ISI Japanese Language School Shinjuku Campus

“The two scholarship recipients are currently enrolled in an intermediate-level class, where they are developing all four core language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—while also studying kanji commonly used in everyday life, equivalent to the upper elementary and junior high school levels in Japan. Both students always sit in the front row and participate in class with great enthusiasm, filling their notebooks with detailed notes. Their commitment to learning reflects both a clear understanding of the role Japanese language skills will play in their future and a strong desire to expand their potential. We will continue to support them with care and dedication so that their hard work can lead to future success.”

── Staff Member, Sales Support Division, WEWORLD Inc. (Graduate of ISI Japanese Language School through the Refugee Support Special Scholarship Program)

“Many of my friends who had to prioritize finding work over continuing their studies when they first arrived in Japan later struggled to improve their Japanese language skills. Studying away from one’s family can be lonely and challenging, but I believe that perseverance and a commitment to keep moving ahead can open new doors. I am proud to now be working at WEWORLD, where I can support students studying at ISI Japanese Language School.”

For refugees and displaced people, language barriers are often among the first challenges they encounter in Japan, affecting many aspects of daily life, including access to healthcare, administrative services, and employment. Access to structured Japanese language education is essential, not only for developing daily conversation skills, but also for supporting social independence, higher education, and career development.

Drawing on more than 30 years of expertise in Japanese language education since 1992, WEWORLD has been providing ongoing support for refugees in collaboration with external organizations, including UNHCR. We believe that partnerships between educational institutions and international organizations play a vital role in creating the foundation for refugees to build fulfilling lives and thrive as members of Japanese society.

With the purpose of “Empowering People, Building Dreams, Connecting Worlds,” WEWORLD’s mission is to create environments where everyone can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams. Through a diverse range of educational initiatives—including Japanese language education, vocational schools, university management, and headhunting—WEWORLD is committed to nurturing the next generation of global leaders who can make an impact across borders.

Company Name: WEWORLD Inc.
Location: 12th floor, Sumitomo Real Estate Shinjuku Grand Tower, 8-17-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-6112
Established: April 19th, 2021
Representative: Masaaki Ogino
Business Description: Japanese Language Education, Vocational School Operations, University Operations, Preparatory School Operations, Recruitment, Study Abroad Programs

URL: https://www.weworld.co.jp/en/