Abstract
The author investigates the impact on the characteristics and perceived growth of overseas short-term program participants during the pandemic period. This investigation involves conducting a comparative verification by administering identical surveys within the same program context to participants of the “International Work Camp” in 2017 and 2023. The results of the investigation reveal that, for the 2023 cohort, while the pandemic delayed their plans, not only did it exhibit minimal influence on their determination to study abroad, but also reported a stronger subjective sense of intrinsic motivation and perceived growth resulting from their participation, compared to the 2017 cohort. Furthermore, regarding activities contributing to growth on-site, the study not only highlights the traditional pre- and post-program components, travel, and volunteer work inherent in work camps but also emphasizes the significant influence of social interactions during meals and leisure time. This underscores a presumed yearning for face-to-face communication, which was hindered by lockdown measures. In contrast, the analysis of free-response comments indicated that the 2017 cohort showed a heightened motivation for concrete activities such as acquiring qualifications or skills, the 2023 cohort engaged more in abstract activities. This suggests the possibility that the experiences and reflections during the pandemic required a critical period of “learning” and “growth,” it is essential that society understands and supports these differences.
