The experience of studying abroad does not only improve foreign language skills, but also provides a valuable opportunity for personal growth. In fact, Japanese students who have experienced long-term study abroad mention that it has broadened their perspectives and changed their way of thinking (Koyanagi, 2002). However, previous studies on long-term study abroad experience have been conducted mostly on study abroad during college and very few studies have explored the impact of study abroad experiences during high school. In most cases, high school students who study abroad experience homestay and attend a local high school. They often find themselves to be the only Japanese student in the entire high school. What kind of impact does suddenly finding themselves a racial minority in a different country far away from Japan have on these students?

This study examined how four Japanese college students narrate their experiences from their one-year study abroad during high school. Each interview took about one to one and a half hours, and the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Preliminary results have revealed three themes; 1) Sense of fellowship among international students, 2) breaking away from the “national filter,” and 3) rediscovering Japan and Asia. The participants for the most part appear to have been able to build good relationships with local people. However, when they felt the difficulties of their “outsider” status, they shared their feelings with other international students and Japanese students who were in similar circumstances. The realization that could confide in non-Japanese students was reported as a meaningful experience, possibly allowing them to become less concerned with race or nationality. Participants experienced been seen as Asians by people in their host country, which made them rethink and reaffirm their “Asian” identity.

References: Koyanagi, S. (2002). Japanese international students in Australia in the age of popularisation of study overseas : Their motivation and outcomes. Ryuugakusei Kyouiku. (7). 27-38.