Changes in the department of physical therapy students’ awareness after an international student exchange program

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the change in students’ awareness of one’s possibility in terms of being able to make oneself understood in English after an international student exchange program. [Participants and Methods] A total of 15 students (4 males, 11 females), with a mean age of 19.2 ± 0.4 years, who were interested in international exchange programs participated in this survey. The study used a questionnaire that was administered before and after the international student exchange program. A visual analog scale was used to assess the changes in awareness. [Results] Significant differences were noted between students’ responses to the questionnaire before and after the international exchange program. The students indicated that they were “Confident at communicating with foreign people,” interested in “Study abroad or overseas activities in future,” and chose the response “Want more opportunities to study with overseas medical students.” [Conclusion] We investigated the change in awareness before and after an international student exchange program. The results suggested that even a short-term exchange influenced students’ awareness.