Vicky Kim (QLD), winner of the 2008 JSA Video Speech Contest, wrote:
"...The next few days I spent in Japan proved to be the best 10 days of my life, despite the blazing heat and the soaring temperature. The first few days flew past filled with activities such as orientation and games that helped all the participants and staff members to get to know each other, preparations for the 13th International Japanese Speech Contest, and the contest itself. It was a nerve-wrecking but valuable experience, where I was fortunate enough to listen to amazing speeches of the other participants...
Nearly a month has passed since I've returned, but I still cannot believe how fortunate I was to spend those days in Japan, participate in the JSA program and meet all the wonderful people I have met. I would definitely like to go back to JSA in near future and participate as a staff member, and I am absolutely positive that I will treasure the valuable friendships and memories I made through the 2008 JSA program."
Stella Son (QLD), winner of the 2007 JSA Video Speech Contest, wrote:
"... If you had an opportunity not only to get a free ten day trip to your dream country, but also to represent Australia for an international speech contest...would you take it?
During the JSA program, not only did I learn more about Japanese and the Japanese culture, I was also able to explore more deeply into my own culture - discovering what I didn't know. My new friends invited me into their own backgrounds. Plus, the food was great, we shopped, went to hot springs and felt closer to the culture by our host families.
The best part about JSA was that I could bond with people that I would have never met without JSA. It's amazing how closely you can bond with other people in ten days. It was heart breaking to watch each of the members leave for the airport, one by one. I sincerely hope that we will all be able to return to Tokyo five years later, as promised. I strongly recommend anyone with a passion for Japanese - do not hesitate to take part in this small adventure."
Madeline Horne (VIC), winner of the 2005 JSA Video Speech Contest, wrote:
"In 2005, I travelled to Japan with the ‘Japanese Speech Award program,' as the Australian representative. The trip was an invaluable experience for me in many ways. I met people from all around the world, and learnt about their respective lifestyles. I had the opportunity to travel around Japan, visiting new and exciting places. I was also able to continuously practice speaking Japanese and thus greatly improved my Japanese language ability. Above all, going to Japan with JSA reaffirmed my desire to study Japanese, and inspired me to pursue Japanese in my future career. It enabled me to make contacts with people who I remain friends with today
The JSA program fosters cross-cultural understanding, and creates priceless opportunities for Japanese language students around the world. In 2006 I returned to Japan and was a staff member on the JSA program. I intend to remain involved in the JSA program in the years to come, and would most certainly encourage anyone who is interested to apply!"
"...The next few days I spent in Japan proved to be the best 10 days of my life, despite the blazing heat and the soaring temperature. The first few days flew past filled with activities such as orientation and games that helped all the participants and staff members to get to know each other, preparations for the 13th International Japanese Speech Contest, and the contest itself. It was a nerve-wrecking but valuable experience, where I was fortunate enough to listen to amazing speeches of the other participants... 
