The Feasibility of Further Development of Internship into Work Integrated Learning:

Focusing on Research Trends of Academic Societies through Research Journals

Abstract

Japan Society of Internship changed its English name to the Japan Society of Internship and Work Integrated Learning in 2013 in order to expand its research area. Following this change, to what extent has the research field evolved from internships to work integrated learning?

The purpose of this study is to focus on internship research, understand its development through the research trends before and after the society English name change, and clarify the characteristics of research activities of the society.

As a result of document analysis and review of the research papers published by the Japan Society of Internship and Work Integrated Learning comparing ones of two relevant societies, Japan Society of Applied Business Studies and Career Design Institute-JAPAN, it was confirmed that the research approach of these societies tends to be more empirical in recent years. And research on institutions and policies was also a feature of the Japan Society of Internship and Work Integrated Learning. In addressing changes with the years since their foundations, it appeared that there was a searching period for core themes examining various cases and research approaches in the early day. However, after more than ten years have passed it was found that the peer review standards of the journals were set and also research standards began to be established.