Moving Beyond On Home Country: Developing Global Citizenship through International Learning in Japan

Abstract

Globalization causes increasing competition in facing future challenges become more intense. Students as new generation the future need to improve their ability and talents in term of foreign language proficiency, knowledge, intercultural competency to remain viable. Students mobility to abroad as platform to build student’s knowledge, skills and character and the experience become more reflective to the workforce needs of today. This paper examine the impact of study abroad program among Malaysian students (N=245) who studying in Japan. Quantitative analysis of the data revealed that strongest influenced study abroad participation that (a) enhanced their tolerance towards people who different culture, (b) enhanced their awareness about cultural difference, (c) influenced their awareness of the importance of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan and (d) increased their desire to engage in employment sector organization or international company and enhanced their Japanese language skills. The result gives an insight that study abroad program will give them opportunity to get out from their own culture and society to explore new worlds, build their own identity and competencies, and challenge ourselves to work or living together with people who have different cultural background. Study abroad program will provide first-hand learning experience to students.