Romblon State University held an exploratory meeting with Japanese education and recruitment representatives to discuss employment pathways for its graduates in Japan, Japanese language program development, faculty training opportunities, and the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Romblon State University (RSU) held an exploratory meeting with Japanese education and recruitment representatives to discuss employment pathways for its graduates in Japan, Japanese language program development, faculty training opportunities, and the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The meeting, held at the 3rd Floor Function Hall of the RSU Administration Building, brought together RSU’s top officials led by University President Prof. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, Ed.D, CESE, along with vice presidents, deans from key colleges, and heads of the International Relations Office and Center for Alumni Relations and Employment Services.
Representing the Japanese partners were Ms. Yohko Seto, Chief Executive Officer of ARCH Plus Company and Chief Operating Officer of SACHI International School; Fumio Yamada, Chief Executive Officer of Yamahei Training School; Imelda Sawamura, Japan Support Team Lead at ARCH Plus Company; and staff members Jhenina Rose Rivera and Weena G. Torrato from Yamahei Training School.
Discussions centered on addressing employment challenges for RSU alumni, particularly non-Japanese speakers seeking roles in Japan’s hospitality sector, such as front desk positions.
Partner companies indicated typical opportunities, with work hours flexible based on individual preferences and academic commitments.
International students in Japan are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours during vacations, with classes generally running five days a week for about four hours daily.
Participants reviewed a proposed MOU, agreeing to revisions that emphasize opportunities rather than assurances, and confirmed the exclusion of provisions for property or broad faculty exchanges. A potential Japanese language program was raised for future exploration.
RSU highlighted the need to bolster foreign language instruction in programs including BS Accountancy, BS Hotel and Hospitality Management, and AB English.
The university proposed recruiting faculty proficient in multiple foreign languages, including Nihongo, and suggested sending three to five faculty members for two to three months of language training in Japan. A faculty exchange concept was also floated, where RSU instructors could teach English in Japan while a sensei from SACHI provides Nihongo instruction at RSU.
The group additionally explored a compressed three-month language refresher course for faculty with prior training, with plans to review curricula, identify funding sources, and coordinate on course design and documentation.
The meeting ended with commitments to revise procedures, include university representatives in upcoming presentations, and schedule a follow-up session to finalize and sign the MOU during a planned institutional visit.
RSU has been actively pursuing internationalization efforts, including prior collaborations with Japanese entities.
ARCH Plus Company specializes in connecting Japanese employers with Filipino talent, while
SACHI International School in Nagoya offers Japanese language programs for international students and workers.
Yamahei Training School provides Japanese language and skills training, often in partnership with Philippine centers. The university and its Japanese partners expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, with both sides committing to continued dialogue and concrete next steps in the coming months.
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RSU welcomes partnership opportunities with institutions, industry stakeholders, and organizations interested in advancing international education, language training, student and faculty mobility, and graduate employability in global markets.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the International Relations Office at iro@rsu.edu.ph or the Office of the University President at president@rsu.edu.ph to explore potential collaborations and arrange exploratory meetings.
The meeting, held at the 3rd Floor Function Hall of the RSU Administration Building, brought together RSU’s top officials led by University President Prof. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, Ed.D, CESE, along with vice presidents, deans from key colleges, and heads of the International Relations Office and Center for Alumni Relations and Employment Services.
Representing the Japanese partners were Ms. Yohko Seto, Chief Executive Officer of ARCH Plus Company and Chief Operating Officer of SACHI International School; Fumio Yamada, Chief Executive Officer of Yamahei Training School; Imelda Sawamura, Japan Support Team Lead at ARCH Plus Company; and staff members Jhenina Rose Rivera and Weena G. Torrato from Yamahei Training School.
Discussions centered on addressing employment challenges for RSU alumni, particularly non-Japanese speakers seeking roles in Japan’s hospitality sector, such as front desk positions.
Partner companies indicated typical opportunities, with work hours flexible based on individual preferences and academic commitments.
International students in Japan are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours during vacations, with classes generally running five days a week for about four hours daily.
Participants reviewed a proposed MOU, agreeing to revisions that emphasize opportunities rather than assurances, and confirmed the exclusion of provisions for property or broad faculty exchanges. A potential Japanese language program was raised for future exploration.
RSU highlighted the need to bolster foreign language instruction in programs including BS Accountancy, BS Hotel and Hospitality Management, and AB English.
The university proposed recruiting faculty proficient in multiple foreign languages, including Nihongo, and suggested sending three to five faculty members for two to three months of language training in Japan. A faculty exchange concept was also floated, where RSU instructors could teach English in Japan while a sensei from SACHI provides Nihongo instruction at RSU.
The group additionally explored a compressed three-month language refresher course for faculty with prior training, with plans to review curricula, identify funding sources, and coordinate on course design and documentation.
The meeting ended with commitments to revise procedures, include university representatives in upcoming presentations, and schedule a follow-up session to finalize and sign the MOU during a planned institutional visit.
RSU has been actively pursuing internationalization efforts, including prior collaborations with Japanese entities.
ARCH Plus Company specializes in connecting Japanese employers with Filipino talent, while
SACHI International School in Nagoya offers Japanese language programs for international students and workers.
Yamahei Training School provides Japanese language and skills training, often in partnership with Philippine centers. The university and its Japanese partners expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, with both sides committing to continued dialogue and concrete next steps in the coming months.
———
RSU welcomes partnership opportunities with institutions, industry stakeholders, and organizations interested in advancing international education, language training, student and faculty mobility, and graduate employability in global markets.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the International Relations Office at iro@rsu.edu.ph or the Office of the University President at president@rsu.edu.ph to explore potential collaborations and arrange exploratory meetings.
