2019 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
What is study abroad? A longitudinal analysis of intercultural experiences
Project/Area Number |
19K13307
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Research Institution | Kansai University |
Principal Investigator |
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Project Period (FY) |
2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
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Keywords | intercultural / communication / survey / interviews / study abroad |
Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
During this year, the research plan has been significantly affected by COVID-19. However, a number of steps in the research plan have been completed. The overall research plan will need to be adjusted in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.In terms of instrument development, I have collaborated with other researchers at Kansai University, we translated the Intercultural Development Survey and included other personality-based questions to the survey. In terms of data collection, data have been collected for the pre-departure stage. Over 60 participants were surveyed before they departed for their study abroad. This data is now being analysed and the results of the survey will be the basis for a preliminary publication on the data. In addition, currently, 10 in-depth interviews have been conducted with students currently studying in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. These interviews are currently being transcribed. Once the data are transcribed, they will be analysed for patterns as well as cross-analysed with the pre-departure survey data. In terms of publication, an article has been submitted to a journal for consideration, on participants’ perceptions and attitudes toward intercultural education. The article analyses students’ responses to a reflective survey, which focused on their attitudes towards intercultural education and whether or not they believe it is important to study.
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Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
4: Progress in research has been delayed.
Reason
The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the current study in a number of ways. - Participants did not go on study abroad, which has limited the number of participants of the study. - Unable to travel to study abroad destinations to collect data (some use of Zoom has been helpful however). - Due to flight and travel restrictions, a number of conferences have been missed/postponed.
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Strategy for Future Research Activity |
I will continue to collect and analyse data (as much as possible), however the sample size will be greatly affected. However, other related questions which have been unexplored in this area of research will be investigated. For example, how COVID-19 has affected students’ study abroad experiences. In addition, data from various sources will be used to answer related questions in the study plan, that could not be collected due to COVID-19.
In terms of publication, I aim to work towards submitting 2 additional papers this year and next year on the data collected thus far. These studies will focus on: (1) participants' results from the initial survey and (2) students perceptions of their overall study abroad experiences and how managers have attempted to resolve issues.
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Causes of Carryover |
Funds will be used to attend conferences if possible, as well as, travel to study abroad destinations to collect additional data. Also, the funds will be used for research assistance and for assistance with data transcription.
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