“Super-Short-Term” Study Abroad in Japan: A Dramatic Increase

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase of Japanese students participating in “super-short-term” study-abroad programs, lasting from one week up to one month. This reflects a growing global trend among college students, especially in developed countries. This article discusses the background of this trend in Japan as well as emerging challenges.

Time well spent? Temporal dimensions of study abroad and implications for student experiences and outcomes under the UK Turing Scheme

“…This may alleviate some of the financial pressures such students feel. And, finally, they can encourage students, as was the case in Shimmi and Ota (2018), to continue developing their international sensibilities even after they have returned home. All in all, whereas the evidence would seem to suggest that 'longer is better' when it comes to study abroad, there are things that HEIs can and should do to support less privileged students to get the most out of these shorter experiences.…”

“…One particularly interesting observation, emerging from work on the Japanese trend in ‘super‐short‐term’ study abroad programmes (1 week to 1 month duration), suggests that the time spent abroad is only part of the picture (Shimmi & Ota, 2018). In Japan, there has been increasing recognition that students need to be provided with opportunities to ‘continue developing their global competencies after returning home’ (Shimmi & Ota, 2018, p. 14).…”

“…One particularly interesting observation, emerging from work on the Japanese trend in ‘super‐short‐term’ study abroad programmes (1 week to 1 month duration), suggests that the time spent abroad is only part of the picture (Shimmi & Ota, 2018). In Japan, there has been increasing recognition that students need to be provided with opportunities to ‘continue developing their global competencies after returning home’ (Shimmi & Ota, 2018, p. 14). This is a very interesting point—that short‐term study abroad may ‘spark’ something in an individual that may result in a longer term interest (e.g., in a foreign culture or language, or future travel) or mind‐set change.…”

“…Ogden et al (2021) describe the ‘unprecedented growth’ in short‐term academic mobility by students internationally over the past few decades, with notable schemes or initiatives operating in countries and regions including Australia, the United States, throughout Europe and within East Asia (Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and Korea). In the US context, the number of students participating in year‐long study abroad programmes has been gradually declining over the past 50 years, compared to those undertaking short‐term study abroad (Dwyer, 2004); in Japan, enrolment in what are called ‘super‐short‐term’ study abroad opportunities has boomed (Shimmi & Ota, 2018). This conversation around short‐term study abroad is being had, albeit in different national contexts.…”

The Journal of Worldwide Education 13.2

“…Naturally, this is a remarkable increase in quite a short period of time, though the Japan Times has been skeptical of JASSO's figures in recent years and stated that "a close look at the data reveals that looser definitions are inflating the numbers" because shortterm language programmes at foreign universities are also included . Shimmi and Ota (2018) identified three reasons why short programmes have become so popular. Firstly, taking part in short programmes is less likely to interfere with activities such as job-hunting, preparation for national qualification examinations, and club activities.…”