When English education isn't what it seems: Outcomes from a pilot study in Japan

Chika Yamamoto Rosenbaum

doi:10.54475/jlt.2024.016

Authors

Chika Yamamoto Rosenbaum Nagoya University of Commerce and Business https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3330-7736

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54475/jlt.2024.016

Keywords:

Japanese students, English communication, intercultural exchange, internship, artificial intelligence, AI

Abstract

Despite the desire of Japanese students to improve their English language skills, a lack of confidence has led to a fear of participating in activities designed to boost that very confidence. What if a program requiring communication in English were advertised as something other than an intercultural exchange program? Could this promotional strategy mitigate the fear of participation? Would it still accomplish the goal of motivating further English education? This paper discusses the results of offering a pilot program, which involved activities with native English speakers and was instead advertised as a non-paid internship focusing on tourism and artificial intelligence. The post-program survey shows that while Japanese students were most attracted to and satisfied with the aspect of working with companies, they found their experience in communicating in English to be the most rewarding and challenging.

Author Biography

Chika Yamamoto Rosenbaum, Nagoya University of Commerce and Business

Chika Y. Rosenbaum is Associate Professor at Nagoya University of Commerce and Business. Her current research interests include the empirical analysis of active learning, political and international education.
Email: chikayamamoto0104@gmail.com

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