31 October 2025 to 2 November 2025
National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター
Asia/Tokyo timezone

Enhancing Study Abroad with a Buddy System in the Philippines

2 Nov 2025, 12:00
30m
National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

3-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052 / 〒151-0052 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町3-1
Practice-oriented Workshop (30-minutes) Learner Development Room 506

Speakers

Josh Kidd (Utsunomiya University) Rory Banwell (Utsunomiya University)

Description

This study investigates the impact of a buddy system in a Japan–Philippines study abroad program. Seventeen Japanese students studied in the Philippines for one month and were paired with Filipino buddies. Surveys and interviews examined effects on English proficiency, cultural understanding, and social integration, as well as Filipino buddies’ perspectives. Findings show the buddy system enhanced cultural exchange and language development, with both groups recognizing its positive influence.

Summary

This study examines the impact of a buddy system in a Japan-Philippines study abroad program, where seventeen Japanese students were paired with Filipino buddies. Using surveys and interviews, the research assessed how the system influenced Japanese students’ English proficiency, cultural understanding, and social integration. It also explored Filipino buddies’ perspectives on their roles through surveys. The results indicate that the buddy system enhanced cultural exchange and language development, with both groups recognizing its positive impact.

Teaching Context College and university education

Author

Josh Kidd (Utsunomiya University)

Co-author

Rory Banwell (Utsunomiya University)

Presentation materials

There are no materials yet.