Secondary exchanges with Japan

要旨

Abstract This paper outlines the principal features which characterise secondary level student exchange programs with Japan, especially those relating to the home and school settings. Some of the main outcomes and gains from student exchanges, specifically, socio-psychological gains, cultural enrichment and gains in communicative competence are briefly described. The data are drawn from various sources, but principally from oral interviews in Japanese with a sample of 19 former exchange students, background interviews in English with some of these students, and a large national survey completed by 566 returned exchange students. All the evidence suggests that outstanding gains are derived from an exchange experience. With regard to communication, the exchange students make rapid progress with listening and speaking Japanese, even if some linguistic or sociolinguistic features are not acquired or are not acquired properly. As in-country experience for secondary or tertiary students constitutes a vital part of a LOTE program, more in-depth research in this area is recommended.

主題