On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the SAF Japan Office hosted the "SAF Japan Alumni Party 2026" at hale’aina HOA in Shibuya.
A total of 46 participants—including study abroad alumni, young professionals, outbound students, visiting IES Abroad students, and staff—came together. Celebrated under the theme "Once Abroad, Always Connected," the event provided a wonderful space for networking and connection across generations and backgrounds.
Reconnecting Across Generations and Building New Bonds
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, led by 20 returned study abroad alumni, alongside outbound students preparing to depart, working professionals, and visiting IES Abroad students.
Because of their shared experience of studying abroad, conversations flowed effortlessly—even among those meeting for the first time. It was a wonderful afternoon where the joy of reuniting with old friends blended perfectly with the excitement of making new connections.
"Study Abroad Made Me Who I Am Today" — Opening Remarks
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Kambayashi of the SAF Japan Office.
Reflecting on personal experiences, Kambayashi spoke about the lasting value of studying abroad, sharing how "living overseas shapes who I am today." Attendees were then encouraged to not only enjoy reconnecting with familiar faces but to also actively build new connections throughout the day.
Kambayashi also highlighted the diverse crowd in the room—including alumni now working in various fields, visiting IES Abroad students, and students preparing to depart—emphasizing the value of their interactions:
"I highly encourage our experienced alumni to share their advice with the students who are about to start their journeys."
To conclude the opening remarks, everyone raised their glasses for a collective toast, officially kicking off the event.
Connecting in a Warm, Relaxed Atmosphere
The party proceeded in a casual and welcoming atmosphere from start to finish, with participants deepening their connections over delicious food.
Surrounded by the bright, open spaces of hale’aina HOA, everyone easily settled into natural, lively conversations.
Attendees chatted about everything from their unforgettable moments abroad and daily life in their host countries to their post-graduation paths and career goals. By sharing their unique journeys, everyone walked away with fresh insights and new inspiration.
How Studying Abroad Shapes the Future: Tips and Inspiration
The event featured lively exchanges between alumni and working professionals regarding their career trajectories after returning home. For prospective students, this provided a valuable opportunity to engage with firsthand accounts of the study abroad experience. Additionally, interacting with IES international students reinforced the significance of cross-cultural understanding and a global mindset.
Embodying the Theme: "Once Abroad, Always Connected"
Following the event, participants shared wonderful feedback, including comments such as:
"It was so much fun getting to connect with people from such a wide variety of backgrounds."
"Because we all shared the common bond of studying abroad, it was incredibly easy to open up, even with people I was meeting for the first time."
This Alumni Party felt like more than just a standard reunion. It truly highlighted how powerful, encouraging, and lasting the connections built through study abroad can be.
Looking to the Future
The SAF Japan Office remains committed to providing opportunities for alumni and current students to connect, while driving initiatives to build a supportive community for life after studying abroad.
Guided by the "Once Abroad, Always Connected" vision, SAF looks forward to continuing to cultivate cross-border learning and global networks.
