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Social Networking of International Students in Japanese Communities of Practice: Multiple-Case Study of Students from U.S. Institutions of Higher Education

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2018, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, East Asian Languages and Literatures.
It is believed that study abroad provides opportunities for international students to learn the target language(s) and culture(s) by interacting with local residents and expanding social networks. However, in spite of scholarly recognition of the importance of interaction with local residents, previous studies tend to focus on social networks mainly in an academic context rather than how international students interact with off-campus local residents. This gap is addressed through a qualitative multiple-case study of students who study abroad in Japan, coming from U.S. institutions of higher education as exchange students. The case studies of four students examine if they succeed in constructing social networks in local communities of practice that consist of off-campus local residents through program-oriented four-week to seven-week Community Engagement activities. Detailed analysis of students’ journal entries and interviews with local residents indicates that while the social networks between students and members of the local communities of practice are loose and only partially developed, the communities of practice accept students as newcomers who have a positive impact on their mission. The emerging social networks suggest that there is potential for building stronger social networks and for the students to become significant members of the community.
Mari Noda, Dr. (Advisor)
Jian Xiaobin, Dr. (Committee Member)
128 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Arakaki, M. (2018). Social Networking of International Students in Japanese Communities of Practice: Multiple-Case Study of Students from U.S. Institutions of Higher Education [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1531048255013014

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Arakaki, Miki. Social Networking of International Students in Japanese Communities of Practice: Multiple-Case Study of Students from U.S. Institutions of Higher Education. 2018. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1531048255013014.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Arakaki, Miki. "Social Networking of International Students in Japanese Communities of Practice: Multiple-Case Study of Students from U.S. Institutions of Higher Education." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1531048255013014

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)