Exploring the Impact of a Year-Long Study Abroad in Japan on U.S. Students' Intercultural Competencies and Career Readiness Awareness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i3.1026Keywords:
Career readiness, intercultural competencies, intrapersonal skills, Japan, year-long study abroadAbstract
In recent years, more American students have participated in study abroad programs for developing language skills, intercultural competencies, broader perspectives, and personal growth. Universities emphasize "career development" through study abroad experiences. However, there are limited qualitative studies focusing on Asian regions, especially Japan, where cultures and social values greatly differ from those of the United States. This study explores how a one-year study abroad experience influenced the intercultural competencies and career readiness of four American students, including two of the researchers, who reside in U.S. communities with a low Japanese population. The findings revealed that an extended study abroad experience in Japan not only enhanced students' intercultural competency skills and career preparedness but also demonstrated how each student developed critical thinking skills. Also, they became more aware of the concepts of equity and inclusion and experienced personal growth during their time abroad.
Abstract in Japanese近年、語学力の向上、異文化への深い理解、視野の拡大、自己成長を目的として留学プログラムに参加するアメリカ人学生が増加している。とりわけ、大学においては、留学経験を「キャリア形成」の一環として位置づける傾向が強まっている。しかし、アジア地域、特にアメリカと文化的・社会的価値観に大きな相違を有する日本を対象とした質的研究は依然として乏しい。
本研究は、日本における一年間の留学経験が、アメリカ国内の日本人居住者が少ない地域に暮らす四名のアメリカ人学生（うち二名は本研究の研究者）に与えた影響を明らかにすることを目的とする。分析の結果、長期にわたる日本留学は、学生の異文化理解力およびキャリア準備能力の向上に寄与しただけでなく、各学生が批判的思考力を発展させた過程も浮き彫りにした。さらに、彼らは公平性および包括性の概念への認識を深め、個人的成長を遂げたことが確認された。
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