Speaker
Description
This study analyses the podcast narratives of Japanese study abroad returnees to explore transformation, language learning, and identity. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the study highlights how students articulate growth, challenges, and shifting self-perceptions through naturally occurring spoken narratives. Findings suggest podcast style semi structured interviews offer a valuable lens for understanding post-study abroad reflection and learner voice.
Short summary
This study analyses podcast narratives by Japanese study abroad returnees to explore transformation, language learning, and identity. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the study highlights how students articulate growth, challenge, and shifting self-perceptions through naturally occurring spoken narratives. Findings suggest podcasts offer a valuable lens for understanding post-study abroad reflection and learner voice.
Keywords
Study abroad; Podcasts; Transformation; Identity
Abstract
Study abroad is often promoted as a transformative educational experience; however, students’ lived experiences are frequently more complex than institutional narratives suggest. This qualitative study explores how Japanese study abroad returnees articulate transformation, language learning, and identity through podcast narratives created after returning to Japan. Drawing on Transformative Learning Theory, the study examines how learners reflect on challenge, growth, and self-perception when speaking in a relatively natural, non-research interview context.
The dataset consists of 26 podcast interviews of Japanese university students who had completed short- and long-term study abroad programmes. Using reflexive thematic analysis, recurring patterns were identified across the narratives. The findings reveal three key themes: (1) returnees’ personal and intercultural transformations; (2) challenges experienced during study abroad; (3) advice for future sojourners. Participants also described moments of frustration, self-doubt, and linguistic stereotyping, complicating idealised views of study abroad as uniformly positive.
By analysing podcasts as naturally occurring spoken data, this study contributes methodologically to study abroad research while foregrounding student voice. The findings suggest that podcasting can serve as a valuable reflective space for returnees and provide insights for educators involved in study abroad preparation and post-return support. The study highlights the importance of creating opportunities for learners to critically reflect on their experiences beyond promotional or institutional discourses.
| Scheduling preference | Anytime on Saturday or Sunday |
|---|---|
| Title | Study Abroad Returnees’ Podcast Narratives: Transformation and Identity |