Keywords

study abroad social network formation, interaction opportunities in Japan programs, peer and community engagement patterns

Abstract

In this chapter, we investigate how students studying abroad in Japan form social networks. As Whitworth (2006) and Fraser (2002) have found, social networks can play an integral role in language proficiency development and language gains during study abroad (SA). However, much is yet to be understood regarding the processes by which SA students form social networks. The present study addresses this issue. Using the Study Abroad Social Interaction Questionnaire (SASIQ), we collected data regarding the social network formation of 204 students who studied abroad in Japan. Sample trends include students' participation in school and community clubs and social circles, as well as taking advantage of opportunities to get to know new friends and acquaintances through existing friends. Students praised programs for providing tutors or study buddies, organizing social activities with native students, and facilitating interaction in a number of other ways, and often requested that programs carry out more such interventions. These and other findings are reported herein.

Original Publication Citation

Ring, S. A., Gardner, D., & Dewey, D. P. (2013). Social network development during study abroad in Japan. In K. Kondo- Brown, Y. Saito-Abbott, S. Satsutani, M. Tsutsui, & A. Wehmeyer (Eds.), New perspectives on Japanese language learning, linguistics, and culture (pp. 95–122). Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i, National Foreign Language Resource Center. https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/fac_books/1/

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

National Foreign Language Resource Center

Language

English

College

Humanities

Department

Linguistics

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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