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While the Japanese government has been encouraging students to participate in study abroad programs, in comparison with previous reports, a 2019 government White Paper illustrated a further drop in interest in study abroad among students aged 13-19. In this talk, I will present social factors, aspects of English education, and communication styles in Japan contributing to this trend. I will expound upon these issues based on mixed methods studies comparing undergraduate students’ attitudes towards and experiences with language and intercultural learning in Canada where English is the first language, and the Philippines where English is a second language.

Dr. Tajima currently serves as Senior Visiting Scholar in the Mixed Methods Program at the University of Michigan. She is also Associate Professor, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, Gakushuin Women's College in Tokyo, Japan. Her research interests include intercultural /second language communication, evaluation of study abroad programs, and mixed methods research.

Zoom registration required: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zGIzhXd_QLOJx3wkVVw8xw

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