Abstract:

This paper examines the potential of super-short-term study abroad programs (SSSAPs) to foster global credentials among university students. Unlike other study abroad programs, SSSAPs are time-constrained but reduce the economic burden, opening the door for many students to experience overseas study. Previous research has reported that many study abroad programs offer significant learning opportunities for participating students despite differences in duration, location, content, and language, suggesting their potential to expand university students' global human resource development in the future. There is much information about long-term study abroad programs, yet there is a lack of research findings regarding SSSAPs. Therefore, this paper aims to share details on a selected SSSAP and confirm students' perceptions of the program. The research question of this study is to determine the learning outcomes and challenges faced by university students in the SSSAP program. This question will help identify the skills and knowledge students acquire through the program as global credentials. The participants are affiliated with a private university in central Japan. Two surveys were conducted to gather data. The first survey took place before the SSSAP during a pre-departure training session. The second survey was deployed after the SSSAP during a reflection session. The questions included both Likert-scale responses and free-style responses that addressed students' expectations, learning outcomes, and challenges from academic, social, and cultural perspectives. Analysis was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The overall results suggest the SSSAP was beneficial for students at three stages. In the first stage, the pre-departure sessions offered students a valuable opportunity to identify SSSAP goals, set individual objectives, and improve peer interaction. On the second stage, during the overseas SSSAP, many students were able to exchange academic knowledge, experience socio-cultural differences, and enhance intercultural understanding. Finally, in the third stage, the reflection session has successfully led the students to digest the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the whole SSSAP, primarily from academic and non-academic angles. This study concludes that a super-short-term study abroad program can provide university students with a valuable opportunity to enhance their learning and improve individual credentials from academic, social, and intercultural perspectives.

Keywords:

Super-short-term study abroad programs, academic success, socio-cultural experience, global credentials.