KOTESOL International Conference 2016
(Concurrent Session)
Gareth Humphreys, Sojo University, Kumamoto
Intercultural Awareness Among Japanese Study-Abroad Learners
Abstract
This paper would present current findings of an ongoing case study investigation into the development of intercultural awareness among Japanese short-term study abroad university students. The study started in. It aims to provide insight by looking at the orientations of the six main participants, exploring reports of their learning experiences, intercultural experiences, and beliefs and attitudes towards intercultural communication as they prepare for study abroad. The primary data collection methods are focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews. The project would present descriptions of what is said by each participant, followed by interpretations and attempts to link these to existing research. The project attempts to relate findings to the ELT context in Japan and may be of interest to individuals researching study abroad or intercultural communication.
Biographicals
Gareth Humphreys has worked in higher education in Vietnam, Angola, and the UK. He is currently based at Sojo University, Japan. He is a postgraduate researcher with the University of Southampton where he is looking at the development of intercultural awareness among study abroad learners. Email: ghumphreys@ed.sojo-u.ac.jp
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