International learning experiences at home in Japan

The challenges and benefits of taking English-medium courses for Japanese students

in Learning and Teaching
Author:
Yukiko Ishikura Osaka University yukiyukish@gmail.com

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3167/latiss.2016.090304
Keywords:
English-medium courses; Global 30; internationalisation at home; Japanese higher education; Japanese students; teaching and learning strategies
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Abstract

English-medium degree programmes are one of the trends within the internationalisation of higher education in Japan. The recent university internationalisation project, Project for Establishing University Network for Internationalization, or Global 30 is a good example. English-medium degree programmes attract a larger and more diverse international student population to study in Japan and create an on-campus international learning environment for both local and international students. This article aims to shed light on what attracts Japanese students to such an on-campus international learning experience and the kinds of challenges they face in taking English-medium courses. The results of my research show that English as a medium of instruction is a good tool to attract Japanese students, but the quality and relevance of what is being delivered are also significant. Japanese students are willing to challenge themselves in a different learning environment, but they tend to do so without seeking support, which in turn limits their learning.

Contributor Notes

Yukiko Ishikura is a lecturer at the Center for the Study of Higher Education and Global Admissions, Osaka University in Japan. With past experience working as an English teacher at junior high school in Japan and as an international programme coordinator in the U.S., her interest focuses on internationalisation of higher education, college admissions, programme assessment and development and student teaching and learning. Email: yukiyukish@gmail.com

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Learning and Teaching

The International Journal of Higher Education in the Social Sciences

Cover Learning and Teaching
Article Category:
Research Article
Page Count:
20
Keywords:
English-medium courses; Global 30; internationalisation at home; Japanese higher education; Japanese students; teaching and learning strategies
Print Publication Date:
01 Dec 2016
Online Publication Date:
01 Dec 2016
Copyright:
© Berghahn Books 2016

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