Universities’ Expectations for Study-Abroad Programs Fostering Internationalization: Educational Policies

Abstract

Because internationalization in higher education has recently received significant attention within the context of globalization, universities in Japan have begun to develop study-abroad programs to support their students in gaining international experience. This article explores those university policies designed to support the internationalization of higher education through mandatory study-abroad programs. An analysis is conducted of the educational policies of these universities based on a review of their admission, curriculum, and degree-awarding policies. The findings are as follows: First, it is unclear how study-abroad programs provide students with opportunities to attain knowledge and skills. Second, universities that face the same challenge to cultivate global citizenship through study abroad should review their educational content to determine whether students are achieving the goals set in their policies. Universities should realize the importance of study abroad in terms of providing opportunities through which students can achieve their education goals.