Transformation of the Meaning of Study Abroad and the Process of Intercultural Adaptation during a One Year Stay

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23520667
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Foreign language education
• Research Institution: University of Yamanashi
• Principal Investigator: OKUMURA Keiko 山梨大学, 総合研究部, 教授 (10377608)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-28 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 異文化間コミュニケーション / 異文化適応 / 短期交換留学 / 受入れ / 派遣 / PAC分析 / 認知構造 / 認識の変容

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study analyses the impacts of a one-year study abroad bidirectional exchange programme on students’ university lives and how they view the process of accommodating themselves and interacting in a new cultural environment and unfamiliar academic community during their stay. 39 participants, bidirectional exchange students were involved in this longitudinal study and their personal intercultural change, adaptation issues and developmental growth process are examined by Personal Attitude Construct (PAC) analysis (Naito 2002), a qualitative research method, together with in-depth interview at the beginning, middle and end of their Study Abroad period. It has been found that their intercultural learning can be varied and intercultural sensitivity can develop both the degree to which differences is accepted or adapted to, and the depth of the experiences. The findings of the study may be used to make suggestions to future Study Abroad candidates.

Free Research Field

外国語教育