A Look into a Short Term Study Abroad Program

Abstract

Talk about globalization and the importance of helping students develop an international viewpoint is widespread in Japan. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has specific policies and projects aiming “to overcome ~ the younger generation’s ‘inward tendency’ and to foster human resources who can positively meet the challenges and succeed in the global field”. The faculty of Nihon Fukushi University places a strong emphasis on developing students’ understanding of local and global welfare issues and English communication skills. This study will look at a two-week overseas fieldwork program offered to first year students in the faculty of International Welfare Development (IWD) at Nihon Fukushi University. This research seeks to provide insight into the effectiveness of shortterm programs in raising students’ awareness of inter-cultural issues and their English communication skills.