Hospitality, gratitude and opportunities

Cooking with open fire

As much hospitality and excellent food as we have experienced during our short stay in Osaka, tonight's farewell dinner at restaurant Sentei was something beyond what words can express. Where should we even begin...

Bamboo appetizer

Sashimi assortment

To be able to experience on-the-job learning in any foreign environment is an invaluable opportunity for a student in a vocational school. The resources and opportunities already exist, and through the new curricula the possibilities and requirements for international experiences will keep growing. It is important to encourage students to take the leap.  

For a student on-the-job learning abroad is always challenging. Leaving one's home country takes a lot more than a flight ticket, and the further from home you go the more it takes. For Japan specifically a Finnish student needs at least basic knowledge of the language, habits, manners and culture. On the other hand it feels safe to send students on a journey of discovery with such a great supporting network devoted to their well-being.

Fruits and berries for dessert

Wagashi, traditional sweet...

Where possibilities for networking exist, taking care of the practicalities becomes easier for everyone. The Hanako-network is a prime example of trust, mutual understanding, hospitality and co-operation. Courage of Learning, Joy of Doing and Fair Attitude - the values which Salpaus Further Education promotes - have all been present during our stay in Osaka. They have been practiced by students and the local organizations alike.

All in all networks or companies alone don't communicate. The communication is done by the people within those organizations, people who are willing to offer their time, effort and hospitality for the common good. The warm atmosphere and plentiful gratitude shown to us tonight left a deep mark, and we will cherish these memories. Hopefully we can convey even a fraction of it on this blog as well. As we said earlier, words simply aren't enough.

...and of course green tea

At tonight's dinner we got to meet lots of friendly and warm hearted people, share knowledge and experiences, and have a few good laughs together. Some "plans" were even made for future business ventures together ;)

Tonight's dinner guests

Our deepest gratitude for the whole experience and everything we've been able to see and learn during these two weeks goes to the Hanako-network, Ryusei Fukushikai and Salpaus Further Education. We are looking forward to our last few days in Osaka.

Thank you. Arigatou gozaimasu. Kiitos.