This poster looks at differences in study abroad programme preferences collected from online questionnaires taken by two cohorts of first year Japanese university students (2023: n 107 and 2024:n 99). The rationale for the research was to determine whether students’ preferences i.e. languages, destinations, programme length and type would be affected by changes to funding amounts and methods.

A medium-sized Japanese university developed a scholarship scheme to maximise study abroad opportunities while simultaneously providing comprehensive financial support. The scheme changed from a fixed amount system based on programme length and destination to a hybrid system of both fixed amounts for first year students on short-term programmes and variable amounts for medium-term programmes for all students. Amounts are determined by destination and programme length as well as students’ language proficiency assessed by standardised foreign language tests or foreign language university credits.

Three patterns shown were: first, in 2024 more students showed interest in medium-term programme participation as second and third years when their language proficiency and scholarships would be higher. Second, English, Korean and Chinese remained popular foreign language choices but interest in French, German and Spanish increased significantly.Third, despite growing interest in France and Spain, main destination preferences remained constant (L1 English speaking countries, South Korea and China).
Preliminary findings show that incentivising scholarship schemes affects students study abroad preferences for length of programme and timing. Longitudinal research is recommended to assess any continuing patterns and other parameters such as programme nature e.g. ‘experiential’ or ‘volunteer-based’.

Authors:
Daniel James, Hiroshima Shudo University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Currently Professor in the Faculty of Global and Community Studies at Hiroshima Shudo University, Japan. Research interests extensive reading & study abroad programme participation. Currently also Director of the International Affairs Center at HSU.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-james-a730aba4/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel-James-23

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