For a number of years we have actively supported a youth exchange program between Japan and Switzerland.
Kansai Association Switzerland-Japan was founded in 1982 for the purpose of promoting exchanges and contributing to mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. Sumitomo Metals has been the primary source of support for this association since its founding.
The main activity of this association is a program of youth exchanges between Japan and Switzerland sponsored jointly with the Osaka Board of Education. The two countries alternate each year between sending and receiving six junior high school students from Japan or Switzerland to spend three weeks of their summer vacation in the other country. During this period, the students enjoy a homestay and visit a number of official institutions, including the embassy of their own country and the foreign ministry. One feature of the program is that the returned students act as the host families in the year following their overseas experience. Since the exchange program's start in 1984, a total of 167 students have been sent from both countries, contributing to the education of each country's youth and fostering a strong international sense.
Visit by the Youth International Exchange Group
to the Wakayama Steel Works
Click here to visit the Kansai Association Switzerland-Japan website.
For reasons including promoting the development of capable staff for the next generation, and helping students develop their future career paths, Sumitomo Metals accepts approximately 20 students for internships each year.
