JALT2025 - Tokyo

Supporting students as global jinzai post study abroad

Nov 2, 2025, 10:15 AM

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

Research-oriented Presentation (30-minutes) Learner Development Room 505

Speakers

Dr Fern Sakamoto (Nanzan University)Dr Thomas Fast (Notre Dame Seishin University)

Description

Study abroad can be an effective way for students in Japan to cultivate skills, knowledge and attitudes associated with global jinzai, but few studies have explored students’ experiences post study abroad. This presentation reports on the results of seven mini focus groups (N=14) convened at various universities in Japan, to explore the challenges experienced by students after returning to Japan, and suggest ways that educators and institutions can facilitate students’ re-entry.

Summary

Study abroad can be an effective way for students in Japan to cultivate skills, knowledge and attitudes associated with global jinzai, but few studies have explored students’ experiences post study abroad. This presentation reports on the results of seven mini focus groups (N=14) convened at various universities in Japan, to explore the challenges experienced by students after returning to Japan, and suggest ways that educators and institutions can facilitate students’ re-entry.