Impact of Intercultural Communication During Short-term Study-abroad of Japanese Students: Analysis from a Perspective of Cognitive Modification

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of intercultural communication on Japanese students during short-term study-abroad programmes. Quantitative analysis indicates the students believe study-abroad broadened their views. Semi-structured interviews identify five categories of impact: utilization of English language, interpersonal communication skills, involvement in global society, opening doors to greater possibilities and positive attitudes towards living. To explain these changes, a theory from cognitive behavioural therapy is applied and a cognitive modification model for intercultural communication is proposed. The study presents evidence that intercultural communication can be an opportunity to recognize and modify one’s cognitive appraisals initially grounded in one’s home culture.

Keywords:

• Short-term study abroad
• intercultural communication
• intercultural interpersonal relationship
• cognitive modification
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Japanese students

Notes

1. The alphabet indicates the country, and these alphabets (M, C) and numbers will be used to identify the student who made the statement in qualitative data.

2. About 1.6% of Japan’s total population and about 3.2% of all people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area are foreign-born, according to 2014 data from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication.