Lived Experiences of Japanese Undergraduate Students at Language Learning Schools and Homestays During Their Short-Term Study Abroad Programs in the United States

要旨

<jats:p>Two sophomores attending a Japanese university studied abroad in the United States (U.S.) for four months during the second semester of their sophomore year and returned to their Japanese university before starting their junior year. Their lived experiences in the U.S. with their homestay families and at the language school were documented. It was found that at their homestays, the students enjoyed being taken to places and attending events with their homestay families, and also formed friendships with roommates and host families who were interested in the Japanese language and culture. At the language school, they felt pressured to obtain passing grades and also felt that they had to consistently work on assignments, which was different from their university experience in Japan. The students expanded their circle of friends through attending events offered by the language school, which they have maintained through continual contact on the internet after returning to Japan, as with their homestay families, which has led to a satisfying overall study abroad experience in the U.S. Implications for stakeholders including university faculty members, administrators, parents, and students are covered.</jats:p>