YASUKO OKADA (SEISEN UNIVERSITY)
TAKEHIKO ITO (Wako University)
TAKAFUMI SAWAUMI (Ryutsu Keizai University)

BEYOND BORDERS: NAVIGATING JAPANESE STUDENT JOURNEYS IN GLOBAL EDUCATION : GLOBAL ISSUES IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Exploring beyond one's familiar borders can significantly alter the course of an individual's life. Opting to pursue education abroad as a young student presents vast potential for transformation, presenting a diverse array of experiences that surpass traditional educational boundaries. This study aimed to chart the knowledge landscape of Japanese students' experiences studying abroad and provide recommendations for future endeavors. Examining empirical research spanning from 2013 to 2023, we identified and scrutinized 24 pertinent articles, which were scholarly published in English or Japanese. Our analysis encompassed various aspects, including article titles, participant demographics, and study abroad programs. Notably, a majority of participants were university students, many of whom opted for English-speaking destinations. The predominant research methodology involved qualitative approaches, particularly through interviews, focusing on assessing intercultural competence. Nonetheless, we advocate for heightened attention towards longitudinal studies and ethical considerations in future investigations, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the well-being and rights of research participants. In summary, bridging the research divide in the realm of study abroad is pivotal. It offers students indispensable opportunities for personal growth and equips them to navigate the complexities of an interconnected global landscape, thereby ensuring their capacity to thrive in diverse contexts and contribute meaningfully to society.

Yasuko Okada holds an MA from the University of Washington, USA. She currently teaches at Seisen University and Tokyo Keizai University and has 20 years of experience teaching English as a foreign language. Her research interests include video research on foreign language instruction, learner motivation, language development, and study abroad.

Takehiko Ito is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Wako University and Researcher of the International Peace Research Institute at Meiji Gakuin University. He obtained a Ph.D. in psychology from Tohoku University in Sendai. His research interests include text mining and mixed methods in psychology and nursing science.

Takafumi Sawaumi received a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Tokyo in 2015. He is an associate professor at Ryutsu Keizai University. His research interests involve topics such as interpersonal communication, implicit measurement, social skills assessment, social skills training using VR, and emerging adulthood in contemporary youth experience.