Powerlessness and Empowerment: Reflections of Japanese University Students While Studying Abroad in Australia

Abstract

This paper reports on the experiences of Japanese students studying abroad in Australia. Nine female Japanese university students were asked to keep a journal of their thoughts, experiences, and reflections during a five-week study tour in Perth, Australia. In addition, the researcher observed the students’ language classes, and interviewed teachers and program administrators. These journals and observations provide insight into their concerns and expectations, unique challenges, as well as the strategies the participants used to improve their linguistic and sociocultural competency. Drawing on selected passages from the students’ journals, the author discusses them with a focus on themes of anxiety, powerlessness, and empowerment. The results of this study may serve as a resource to program administrators, pre-departure curriculum developers, and teachers who aim to improve the study abroad experiences of their students.