Perception of study abroad in ASEAN

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K13308
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 02100:Foreign language education-related
• Research Institution: Kwansei Gakuin University
• Principal Investigator: Nowlan Andrew 関西学院大学, 言語教育研究センター, 准教授 (50546835)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: study abroad / phenomenology / ELF / diversity / interculturality / L2 acquisition / Japan / Thailand

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Despite complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researcher was able to complete a transcendental phenomenological study involving six Japanese university students with focus on the experiences they had while studying in Bangkok, Thailand. Key findings that emerged from the study include the identification of textural and structural descriptions, which culminated into a common essence of experience. This experience includes exposure to English as a Lingua Franca and diversity, especially openness of sexuality and socio-economic differences. The researcher posits that these findings can be operationalized at the classroom level to better prepare Japanese university students for experiences in the Outer and Expanding Circles, especially in major urban hubs, such as Bangkok. A direction for future research that emerged from this study involves the role that COIL might play in better preparing Japanese university students for overseas sojourns in similar destinations.

Free Research Field

international education

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

This study provides a comprehensive discussion of the shared experiences that Japanese university students had in Bangkok, Thailand. Results provide implications for researchers, instructors, and administrators who hope to develop improved study abroad preparatory programs for Japanese students.