Fostering Global Talent Through Virtual Study Abroad: A Comparative Case Study

抄録

Japanese universities often rely on overseas study to foster global talent. The COVID pandemic restricted travel, canceling many overseas programs. This paper examines the shift from a short-term study abroad program for Japanese STEM graduate students, to a ‘virtual study abroad’ experience with a partner institution in Australia. The real-world and virtual iterations of this program are considered in relation to the three official aims of fostering ‘global jinzai’ : developing communication ability in a foreign language (English) ; gaining an understanding and appreciation of other cultures; becoming active members of society. This study examines TOEIC results and exit surveys from real-world and virtual iterations of the program, to clarify how virtual study abroad supports the development of global talent in STEM.