A SNS System for Using Informal Information to Support Exchange Students and Increase International Communication

Abstract

Though universities have recently been promoting globalization through increases in the number of international students, they face various problems such as supporting the daily needs of current international students and providing follow-up service for students who have returned home. The present study addressed the functions and uses of a SNS (Social Networking Service) system where Japanese students, teachers, and staff and international students exchange information informally to support the exchange program. The effectiveness of the pilot SNS system was analyzed at an international center of an actual university. This study aimed at verifying whether useful information was in fact provided to both current international students and to Japanese students planning to study abroad. The study also looked at whether such information offered solutions to specific problems concerning international exchange. Conclusions of this study were used to determine whether the SNS informal information exchange system built new relationships between international and Japanese students and whether it contributed to the internationalization of the university.