Toward better understanding Japanese university students’ self-perceived attitudes on intercultural competence: A pre-study abroad perspective

ABSTRACT This study sought to uncover the attitudinal factors impacting a group of 1st-year Japanese university students’ (n = 89) self-perceived intercultural competence (IC), prior to embarking on a 6-week US-based study-abroad program. Data were collected qualitatively through reaction reports following an interactive lecture-workshop that aimed to mirror the overseas academic classroom context. Thematic analysis of the data revealed: (1) participants typically perceived their IC through an individual lens and/or a collective lens (and whether they then aligned or differentiated themselves from their overall perception of Japanese IC), and (2) they adopted either a passive or proactive mindset toward their impending study-abroad experience. Results suggest that more intentional balancing of linguistic and intercultural content is needed to foster Japanese university students’ success in study-abroad environments.