INFORMATION

WEWORLD Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Masaaki Ogino; hereinafter “WEWORLD”) has compiled the results of an effectiveness evaluation for the “Refugee Support Special Scholarship Program” offered by its ISI Japanese Language School for refugees. This program provides free Japanese language education to individuals who face difficulties living in their home countries due to war, conflict, or persecution. It supports them in acquiring the Japanese language skills and cultural understanding essential for social participation in Japan. The activities are supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and, as of July 2025, have accepted a total of 76 individuals.

In this survey, 63.6% of respondents reported that their studies at ISI Japanese Language School were “extremely helpful,” while 36.4% found them “helpful.” The results clearly show that all respondents feel Japanese language learning is useful in their daily lives.

The language barrier is one of the major factors hindering daily life and social participation for people who have sought refuge in Japan. Since 2022, WEWORLD has offered free Japanese language education programs to support refugees in building their foundations for life. This survey was conducted to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and to strengthen further support.

1. At hospitals, at workplaces, everyone feels its practical use in real life

● 100% of respondents answered that Japanese learning is “useful in daily life”
All respondents answered that their studies at ISI Japanese Language School are being utilized in daily life. Among them, 63.6% answered “Strongly agree,” and 36.4% answered “Agree.”

● Specific situations where Japanese proved useful

Common examples cited in the open-ended responses included “interactions at the hospital,” “communication with colleagues at work,” and “communication with my child’s school.”

Respondents shared the following comments:
“I was able to explain my symptoms at the hospital and handle everything from check-in to the examination solely in Japanese.”
“I can communicate better than before at work and with my child’s elementary school teachers.”
“I feel my listening comprehension and conversation skills have improved significantly.”
“I was able to have a short conversation with my neighbor in Japanese. It was just a small talk, but I understood her and could reply. It made me feel that my Japanese has improved.”

2. Current Status of Community Formation and Social Participation

The survey found that 91% of respondents reported building relationships within school and 95% outside of school.

These results indicate that schools function not merely as places of learning, but as communities that contribute to reducing feelings of isolation and fostering psychological security.

3. Voices of Respondents

Female, Myanmar (1 year enrolled)
“I couldn’t understand Japanese and couldn’t even enroll my child in daycare. Now I can handle letters from my child’s school and parent-teacher conferences in Japanese. I’ve set new goals and want to learn Japanese even more.”

Female, Palestine (5 months enrolled)
“I enrolled aiming to enter university. Learning in class has improved my conversation skills, making everyday talk more enjoyable. Discovering learning methods unavailable through self-study has given me confidence to prepare for higher education.”

Male from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1 year, 2 months enrolled)
“When I first arrived in Japan, I was anxious about classes where ‘Japanese is taught in Japanese.’ But after three months, I could understand almost everything in class. I even used what I practiced in class during part-time job interviews, and my life has changed significantly.”

“Japanese language education is the foundation for building the lives and supporting the independence of refugees and displaced persons. The findings of this survey confirm its effectiveness, reaffirming the importance of collaboration with domestic and international support organizations and government agencies, and highlighting the need for further cooperation. We will continue to expand sustainable support as part of our corporate social responsibility.”

＜ISI Japanese Language School Overview＞
ISI Japanese Language School, operated by WEWORLD Inc., is Japan’s largest* Japanese language school. With campuses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagano, it enrolls over 10,000 international students annually. Its comprehensive programs—ranging from everyday conversation to university/graduate school entrance exam preparation and business Japanese—support students’ integration into Japanese society.
*Based on data from the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education (APJLE) and our own research
Official Website:https://www.isi-education.com/

＜WEWORLD Inc. Overview＞
WEWORLD Inc. is a global talent development company aiming to create a society where people worldwide can connect and grow together beyond cultural and language barriers. We operate education and career support services both domestically and internationally, offering diverse programs including Japanese language education support for foreigners and refugees.

Company Name: WEWORLD Inc.
Head Office: 12F Sumitomo Fudosan Shinjuku Grand Tower, 8-17-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-6112
Representative: President and CEO Masaaki Ogino
Business activities: Japanese language education, operation of vocational schools, operation of universities, Preparatory school business, and recruitment business
Activity Details Page:https://www.weworld.co.jp/en/about/csr/
URL：https://www.weworld.co.jp/en/