Abstract:

This paper fully presents the Study in Japan programs Sofia University Japanese Studies students have access to – length, type and funding.

Despite the numerous opportunities both Sofia University, Bulgaria and MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Japan) have to offer, in recent years there has been a decline in the number of Japanese Studies university students who would like to study in Japan.

Results of a survey conducted among students in November, 2020 as well as data from previous years indicate some of the reasons for the decline in interest, and these are definitely not limited to the "COVID19" 2019/2020 academic year. Motivation and attitudes towards studying in Japan are based on all kinds of concerns, which have always existed among the students, but have become more intense recently.

The paper examines and addresses these concerns, proposing solutions (such as provision of more detailed information) as well as side incentives (cultural events and Japanese language and speech competitions and contests) to increase the interest and motivation of Japanese university students for study abroad.

Keywords:

Japanese studies, study abroad, motivation, attitude, university students, COVID19.