Incidental Learning through Participation in International Volunteer Activities in Japan

Abstract

This study aims at finding 1) the meaning of self-transformation through participation in volunteer activities for international cooperation in Japan, and 2) the mechanism which generates self-transformation through participation in volunteer activities for international cooperation in Japan. ‘Incidental learning’ is employed as an analytical concept for the study. Semi-structured interviews to volunteers and staff members and participatory observation of activities for international cooperation managed by one international cooperation NGO are conducted as a research method. Firstly, the study found that self-transformation through participation in volunteer activities for international cooperation in Japan consists of three elements: 1) diversifying and widening points of views of participants, 2) growing awareness on global issues such as poverty, environment and peace, and 3) increased self-efficacy for international cooperation. Self-efficacy is the source of sustainability for their interests in global issues and volunteer activities. Secondly, the study found that leaning through participation in volunteer activities for international cooperation in Japan is organized with four components: 1) effective and convincing international cooperation projects in developing countries, 2) planning, organizing and coordinating volunteer activities for international cooperation in Japan, 3) organizing volunteer activities as ‘Ibasho’ for participants, which means that participants meet others and share time and space in comfortable and friendly manner, and 4) feedbacking to participants on outcomes in developing countries provided by volunteer activities. The study also indicated self-transformation through participation in volunteer activities might lead to organizational transformation.