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What are the golden rules for studying abroad?
Graduation Thesis
Presented to
The Faculty of the Department of
English Language and Literature
Notre Dame Seishin University
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Arts
by
Risa Yamamoto
2013
Contents
Abstract 1
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 What is culture shock? 4
1.2.1 Introduction 4
1.2.2 Definitions of culture shock 4
1.2.3 Cause of culture shock 6
1.2.4 Famous Cases 7
1.3 Theories of Cultural Adjustment 9
1.4 What do people already mention “Golden Rules”? 12
1.5 Focus of thesis 16
1.6 Summary 16
Chapter Two: The Study
2.1 Introduction 17
2.2 The experiment 17
2.2.1 Introduction to the questionnaire, case study 17
2.2.2 Method 18
A) Participants 18
B) The two questionnaires 18
a) Background evaluation of all participants
b) Evaluation of participants who spent more
than six months abroad.
C) Procedure 19
2.3 Results 19
2.4 Summary
Chapter Three: Discussion
3.1 Introduction 29
3.2 Overall Result 29
3.3 Case Study 31
3.4 Discussion of the results 37
3.4.1 The evaluation of all participants
3.4.2 The evaluation of participants who spent more than six
months abroad
3.5 Discussion of the Research Questions 40
3.6 Implications 41
3.7 Further Research 43
3.8 Conclusions 43
References 45
Appendices 47
2
3
Abstract
Nowadays, there are a lot of Japanese who go abroad and the number has been increasing
from the late 1980’s. Some people study abroad to master their second language, others do so to
communicate with foreigners. However after returning, some people feel that they could improve their
skill and others not. One reason maybe that the former could know some “Golden Rules” to succeed in
studying abroad and that could be greatly related to the degree that people feel whether their studying
abroad can be successful or not. Moreover the later may have some problems. For example, during
their stay, culture shock can often happen to anybody. There are many factors which cause culture
shock. However the degree of culture shock depends on each individual.
Thus we can see that there are maybe some golden rules that could promote success when
studying abroad. In this thesis we saw what culture shock is and some theories that show the general
process of culture shock. Moreover, we looked at some golden rules that people already say and the
differences among individuals in this chapter.
The particpants were 70 Japanese subjects selected at random regardless of their age and
sex. There were two questionnaires which asked the participants about “golden rules” for studying
abroad: before going there, during their stay and after return to Japan. In addition, this questionnaire
asked those who have been overseas what suggestions they got from others about studying abroad and
what lessons they learned from the experience. In Chapter One, we saw the background of culture
shock and some golden rules that people already say in books and on website. In Chapter Two, we
looked at the results from the questionnaire. Chapter Three told us more details of the results and we
discussed about it.
The questionnaire data was varied so it was difficult to get a clear result, but we could find
what kinds of rules could be golden rules for studying abroad. Firstly, many of the subjects agreed that
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setting themselves goals for studying abroad, researching about the culture of their destination country
and speaking with native speakers as much as they can could be golden rules before studying abroad.
Secondly, they chose communicating with foreigners actively, not spending too much time together
with their fellow countrymen and not being afraid of making mistakes when they speak English as the
golden rules during thier stay. Thirdly, they agreed keeping in touch with friends met overseas through
Facebook or email actively, taking tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN and not being afraid of
making mistakes when they speak English could be the golden rules after studying abroad. Thus the
subjects tend to think that it is important to make situations and environment to use English and this
could be the best way to learn English. These results can give some advices for people who will go
abroad in the future.
2
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
These days, a lot of people go abroad for their own reasons. It may be for
sightseeing, work or studying abroad. As more people go to foreign countries and meet
various people and encounter various cultures there, more people have become to learn and
speak more than one language to communicate with them. It is certain that people have
become much more interested in other countries than before.
There are various reasons to study abroad including mastering their second language
or communicating with foreigners. However, after returning some people feel that they could
improve their skill and other do not. There are many factors which cause the difference
between the former and the latter. One reason maybe that the former could have some
“Golden Rules” to succeed in studying abroad and that could be greatly related to the degree
that people feel whether their studying abroad can be successful or not.
However, some information shows that people who study abroad do not always
succeed in improving their skill. That is, some of them have succeeded in brushing up their
skill and some haven’t because they have some problems. During their stay, culture shock can
often happen to anybody. Many people may feel culture shock in both good ways and bad
ways. There are many factors which cause culture shock and the process and the effect people
experience can be different from person to person.
From the above we can see that there are maybe some golden rules that could
promote success when studying abroad. It is therefore interesting to find out what “Golden
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Rules” are and which golden rules are the best which could lead to a successful trip. In this
thesis we will see what culture shock is and some theories that show the general process of
culture shock. Furthermore, we will look at some golden rules that people already say and the
differences among individuals in this chapter.
1.2 What is culture shock?
1.2.1 Introduction
Going abroad is actually exciting and enjoyable. It makes us think deeply and
broadens our view as people can get precious and valuable memories in the host country.
During the stay, most people may feel negative feelings such as worry and anxiety and they
could experience cultural differences as they are often unexpected things which may cause a
culture shock. However, culture shock can be sometimes experienced not only in a negative
way but also in a positive way. For example, people who find a new useful product that they
do not have in their culture feel envious of it and would tell about it to local people as good
information. When people are in culture shock, they are getting a motivation for trying to
understand the cultural differences. They can know both the strong and weak points of each
culture.
Negative culture shock tends to be caused by an accumulation of negative feelings.
The degree that people feel the stress and the period people overcome culture shock are so
different, but those who feel a culture shock goes through these process. There are so many
definitions that explain culture shock. We will look at some of them in the next section.
1.2.2 Definitions of culture shock
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In this section, we will look at some definitions of culture shock to understand what
they mean.
1. Culture Shock is precipitated by the anxiety that results from losing all of our
familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse (Oberg, 1960 in Bennett, 1998: 215).
2. Culture shock is primarily a set of emotional reactions to the loss of perceptual
reinforcements from one’s own culture, to new cultural stimuli which have little or no
meaning, and to the misunderstanding of new and diverse experiences.
(Adler, 1975 in Bennett, 1998: 215-216)
3. … the emotional and physiological reaction of high activation that is brought
about by sudden immersion in a new and different culture (Barna, 1976 in Bennett,
1998: 222)
The phrase was popularized by anthropologist Oberg (1960) to describe the feeling
of disorientation and anxiety that many people experience for a period of time while living in
a foreign country (Jandt, 2010: 292). The above definitions are mainly about the feelings that
people experience during culture shock. The feelings often describe negatives such as
homesickness, boredom, withdrawal, and criticism of the host country, isolation and
frustration.
People can be confused in their new and different surroundings without their familiar
things around them. Moreover, culture shock can cause communication problems as well.
When we are anxious, lonely and disoriented, our communication skills degenerate (Bennett,
1998: 217). It makes us more isolated from new circumstance more and more, and the
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symptoms get promoted. It can become a circle of culture shock.
1.2.3 Cause of Culture shock
Culture shock affects people in different ways when they go overseas and the degree
depends on each individual as well. There are some causes of culture shock as shown by
Furnham and Bochner (1982 in Uwaje, 2009). They said there are three main categories that
cause culture shock: Cultural differences, Individual differences and Sojourn experiences.
1. Cultural differences
The symptoms of culture shock are a cultural phenomenon seen only when individual
lives in a different culture (Ishii, 1996). The outcome of Culture Shock appears to be a
function of the differences between the own and the foreign culture. As these differences are
multidimensional, the cultures may be very similar for one factor and very different for
others. Cultural differences include those elements such as value, common idea and political
or economic position. The degree of culture shock is influenced by an individual’s culture.
2. Individual differences
This aspect refers to differences in personality and the ability to cope with new
environments. There are so many differences between individuals: one’s educational
background, age, sex, social position, personality and communication ability. How well
people can deal with the stress may depend so much on each person. Children may be able to
adapt to culture shock sooner than older people who have lived in their own cultural style.
3. Sojourn differences
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The experiences sojourners have and the treatment people receive from members of
the host society have a strong influence on the adaptation process.
These three causes of culture shock should be considered when people study abroad.
They need to consider about what elements affect them so they do not to get heavy culture
shock before studying abroad. For example, before going abroad, if they do not have so much
information about their host country, they should research it using the Internet or books. To
know the cultural differences, it helps them to adjust to the host culture and communicate
with people more easily.
1.2.4 Famous Cases
There are some examples of culture shock. In this section, we will look at two famous
cases of culture shock, which are considered as the examples of it.
a) Taking a bath
In United Kingdom, the way of thinking for bath is different between Japan and
English. Some Japanese people tend to think they take a bath not only to wash their body but
also to be relaxed. On the other hand, English tend to think they do it only for washing their
body so they use soap on the bath. There is no idea that taking a bath is to be relaxed for them.
For example, most of the home has a tank to store warm water and then they use it. Therefore
if one person uses warm water too much, they may run out of it so in the UK people will use
someone else’s bath water that has soap in it. In fact, there are some Japanese that do not
know this condition, so they should know it and adapt myself to the environment without
complaining about it (Honbashi, 2005).
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b) Facilities for travel
When people travel abroad, they experience that facilities for travel like bus and train
are often late. In Japan, it is natural they arrive and leave on time, so some Japanese people
feel unpleasant when they go abroad. There are some commonsense things for Japanese,
while they might be absurd for English people. If they are particular about good side of Japan,
their stress build up and they cannot enjoy the life in the host country. Thus when people go
abroad to study abroad, it is important to accept the host lifestyle and understand the
differences.
c) Paris Syndrome
Paris Syndrome is a famous example of culture shock among Japanese. It happens to
people who idealized Paris too much and feel so much depression when they realized the
reality there. There are a lot of Japanese who have a deep romance for Paris whose high
culture such as fashion or art is so respected in the world. The main sufferers are women in
their twenties or thirties who have high expectations about the culture. They are influenced by
media which tells them only the beautiful side of Paris. French are frank and individualists,
and have strong humor. On the other hand, Japanese are polite, honest and act in a group.
Therefore, people can be greatly shocked and suffer from the colder Parisians’ attitude or
rudeness more than they had expected. The symptoms are serious: communication disorder,
anthropophobia, a fear for going out and some people come to die (Uchida, 2005).
As we can see, these are related to Cultural differences that already introduced in this
chapter. It is important to understand the real situation of host culture and it helps people to
avoid hard culture shock.
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1.3 Theories of Cultural Adjustment
Culture shock mostly happens in stages. The process and the effect people experience
can be different from person to person. However, it is useful to understand the general stages
how culture shock happens because we can be ready for it. This section discusses the two
theories of culture shock: Lysgaard’s (1955) U-Curve Theory of Adjustment and Rhinesmith’s
Ten Stages of Adjustment (1984).
1.3.1 U-Curve and the Ten Stages of Adjustment.
The U-Curve framework has been used to describe the cross-cultural adjustment
process of expatriate employees or sojourners within a host culture. The following figure of
U-curve shows the four main stages of adjustment to a foreign culture. Figure 1 shows the U-
curve and Figure 2 describes Rhinesmith’s Ten Stages of Adjustment (1984).
Figure 1: U-curve of cross-cultural
adjustment
1. Honeymoon
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2. Culture shock (Crisis / Frustration)
3. Adjustment (Recovery)
4. Mastery
1. Honeymoon
In this phase, people look forward to getting new experiences. The honeymoon stage
occurs during the first week after arrival at the host country. (Lee, 2006) Individuals are
fascinated by the new and different culture. During the time, these differences are seen as
enjoyable and attractive and people are more likely to focus on only positive aspects of the
differences of the new culture. This phase can last from a few days to about six weeks. People
could be ready to accept new the culture at the first stage.
2. Culture shock (Crisis / Frustration)
When people start to cope with real conditions on daily days, the second stage
begins- culture shock stage. The stage is characterized by frustration and hostility towards the
host nation and its people. (Lee, 2006) After some time, differences between old and new
culture may create anxiety and then enjoyableness may give ways to negative feelings of
frustration and anger gradually. For example, language, differences in public hygiene, and
food accessibility may heighten negative feelings to the new culture. In this phase, people can
see the difference between expectations and reality, so they might be disappointed.
3. Adjustment (Recovery)
The third stage is the adjustment stage in which the individual gradually adapts to the
new norms and values of the host country and can act more appropriately than they were
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before. (Lee, 2006) People start to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the new
culture and accept that with positive attitudes.
4. Mastery
At the mastery stage, people have a sense of dual cultural identity and can get on
with both host and home cultures, which is called biculturalism. They accept the new culture,
and even more, start to think the differences or similarities are valuable things that can be
found only among the people who have experienced culture shock.
1.3.2 Rhinesmith’s Ten Stages of Adjustment
There are many models that exist to describe the stage of culture shock and
adjustment. This process is divided into a little more detail. There are many repetitions of
crisis and adjustment in culture shock. Therefore, we should look at another model by
Rhinesmith (1984). Rhinestone’s emotional transition model is described as more complex
than U-curve. There are 10 stages of emotional transition.
Figure 2: Rhinesmith’s Ten Stages of Adjustment
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Source: Rhinesmith, 1984:7.
1. Initial anxiety
2. Initial elation
3. Initial culture shock
4. Superficial adjustment
5. Depression-frustration
6. Acceptance of host culture
7. Return anxiety
8. Return elation
9. Re-entry shock
10. Reintegration
Stages 1 to 5 involve exposure to a new culture: emotional transition before meeting
a new culture and emotions during the stay like U-Curve. At the stage of Initial anxiety, there
is a mention about feelings from anxiety that people experience before going abroad, to worry
about going to a new situation. The longer people stay abroad, people gradually start to meet
culture shock. Besides, handling emotions well is hard even though people can get used to a
new culture at one time. They have uncomfortable feelings towards the host culture until stage
6 when they accept the new culture. They feel the things are normal. From 7 to 10 are stages
when people leave the new culture and may experience the process for reverse culture shock.
How people get culture shock depends on the person, but these stages can happen to anybody.
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1.4 What do we know already about the “Golden Rules”?
Some people succeed in studying abroad and others do not, even though they have
the same level of English, go to the same school and stay the same length of time. What is the
difference between the former and later? In this section we will look at some advice for
studying abroad what people already refer to through books and on websites. If we find
common advices of studying abroad, they may be golden rules.
Honbashi (2005) who is a consultant of studying abroad suggests 4 principles which lead to a
successful trip. The Law of HAL is the first principle.
1. The Law of HAL
H (heart) = feeling and preparation
A (action) = spontaneous action
L (language) = word
○ (multiplication) H(heart) ×A(action) ×L(language)
× (addition) H(heart) ＋ A(action) ＋ L(language)
There are three elements which could lead to succeed studying abroad: Heart, Action
and Language. Honbashi says that it is important to consider that these elements apply to
multiplication. If at least one element is zero, it means that all elements are zero even if the
other elements are better. Therefore, it is necessary a way of thinking of not addition but
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multiplication to succeed in studying abroad (Honbashi, 2005). For example, some people
believe that they do not have to learn language before going because they can do it in the host
country. However, they can face a lot of difficulties not only about language but also the new
culture more than they expect. In this case, if L (language) is zero, H (heart) and A (action)
become zero as well. To avoid this case, they should prepare for language before going and
then can get off to a good start of studying abroad.
We could understand some parts of Honbashi’s theory, but generally even though the
skill of language is zero, H(heart) and A(action) do not always become zero. His idea has
some merits, but some people may disagree with it.
2. People should have a clear purpose what they want to do and get when studying abroad.
Having a clear purpose for studying abroad can lead to a successful trip. Setting goals
makes things clearer and people can do their best for studying abroad. This key to success is
that people should begin to do things they can achieve certainly firstly and their goal
gradually should step up. Moreover, it is important to prepare for responsibility for one’s
decisions (Honbashi, 2005). If we do not have the purpose, our purpose may be vague, and we
may give way to temptation and not focus on the one thing we have to do during the stay.
Kumehara (2006) also said that having a clear purpose is a big key for studying
abroad. Whether people’s life in the host country can be meaningful or not, is greatly related
to a sense of goals. The longer they live in the host country, the more they tend to relax, so
people should recall why they decided to study abroad or what their purpose and remember
their original intention.
3. People should accept the difference between the host country and the home country.
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Whether people succeed in studying abroad or not depends on how they accept
various situations and experiences in the host country. For example, even though the bus has
30 minutes’ delay there, people should not think that there is no way this would happen in
Japan negatively but enjoy this happening. (Honbashi, 2005) During the stay, we have
unexpected continuances such as the difference of the habit and common sense. Therefore,
whether we play it by ear or not when we adapt is the important key for studying abroad.
4. People should communicate with foreigners actively.
Making friends is the secret of improvement in language (Honbasi, 2005). This
means making situations which people have to speak a common language: English, so
naturally their skill of language become good. Therefore, being with foreigners makes people
improve their skill during the stay.
These findings were supported by an experiment by Sato (2012) who researched
about what impact short-term language studying abroad experiences have on the oral
communicative competence of Japanese university EFL learners. Her research interests
include the impact of study abroad experiences on L2 learners’ communicative competence,
L2 oral communication problems and communication strategies, and reflective learning and
learner autonomy.
The participants were 24 second-year business students. They joined three- months to
four months ESL courses at two US universities in 2010. During the stay there, they were
asked to submit online monthly reports about their study and life in general. Moreover face to
face interviews were conducted before and after studying abroad by two examiners. The
descriptors consisted of the four criteria of Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource,
Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
15
The learners’ score significantly improved after studying abroad in the areas of
Fluency & Coherence and Lexical Resource, although great individual differences were
observed. In order to collect clear data, case studies were conducted with the three learners
whose average band score changed most among the 24 participants. The three cases studies
revealed some possible causes of cross-learner differences and the importance of considering
the sociolinguistic aspect of oral communication. Furthermore, these learners’ monthly reports
showed some distinct characteristics. It seems that self-aware learners who set realistic and
specific goals, and sought out-of-class opportunities to use English have improved
sociolinguistically, though not necessarily linguistically. (Sato, 2012)
Thus we found that it is important to set our goal for studying abroad, think about
what people want to be like in the future through the new experience and act on their own
initiative to improve their skill.
1.5 Focus of the thesis
We have seen what the culture shock is and the process of cultural adjustment. There
are a lot of people who feel culture shock, but the degree depends on each person. We also
looked at what people already said about some golden rules for studying abroad in books and
on websites. To research what golden rules for studying abroad will help people who are
going to go abroad to succeed in studying abroad. The research questions for this thesis are:
Research Question 1: What are the golden rules for studying abroad?
Research Question 2: Which GR is mostly likely to lead to a successful trip?
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1.6 Summary
When people go abroad, they may meet unexpected happenings in the host country
like culture shock. Culture shock is very normal and happens to anybody and people
experience processes of U-Curve and W-Curve. However, the degree of culture shock depends
on each person. To avoid it and enjoy the stay, they can research about the host culture and
prepare for that. To accept the difference makes people’s way of thinking deeper and wealthy.
On the other hand, we found some principles which can lead to success in studying
abroad through books and websites. Having a clear purpose, accepting the differences and
communicating with foreigners were often seen relatively in the books and on websites as
golden rules for studying abroad.
We are going to look at the data of a questionnaire in Chapter Two. In the
questionnaire, there are questions which ask about golden rules before going, during the stay
and after return and advice given from people for studying abroad. Then we will look at the
results and discuss what golden rules for studying abroad and which GR mostly likely to lead
to a successful trip is in Chapter Three.
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Chapter Two: The Study
2.1 Introduction
In Chapter One, we looked at various advice given in books and on websites as well
as differences between individuals. In this chapter, we will look at the results of the
questionnaire to find a common set of golden rules and decide which rules will most likely
lead to a successful trip.
2.2 The experiment
2.2.1 Introduction to the questionnaire, case study
Firstly, the aim of the questionnaire was to find a common set of golden rules that
can lead to success for people who study abroad. A two-part questionnaire investigated what
principles influence success for people who go overseas. There were two questionnaires
which asked the participants about “golden rules” for studying abroad: before going there,
during their stay and after return to Japan. In addition, this questionnaire asked those who
have been overseas what suggestions they got from others about studying abroad and what
lessons they learned from the experience.
Secondly, in order to collect the raw data needed for this paper, four subjects who
had been overseas for over 6 months from the participants in the questionnaire were chosen
and interviewed thoroughly. The aim was to understand their experience in detail and
establish some guidelines for prospective students.
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2.2.2. Method
A) Particpants
The particpants were 70 Japanese subjects selected at random regardless of their age
and sex. It was important however, that the particpants had some views on studying abroad.
Approximately 97% of the subjects were female, and about 3% were male. 70% had been
abroad, and 30% had never been abroad. Approximately 13% had been abroad for more than
6 months.
B) The two questionnaires
These questionnaires asked opinions about which golden rules are most common
and were likely to lead to a successful trip. The particpants answered this questionnaire in
Japanese. It consisted of several parts.
a) Background evaluation of all participants.
These questions were answered by all particpants regardless of their previous
overseas experience who were selected randomly. The particpants ranked eleven statements
about studying abroad with ‘1’ being the most useful advice and ‘11’ the least useful one in
their opinion.
This section of the questionnaire has three parts: before going, during the stay and
upon return. The full questionnaire is in Appendix A.
b) Evaluation of participants who spent more than six months abroad.
19
These questions were answered only by the participants who had been overseas for
over 6 months. They were asked to grade statements given about going abroad according to
their level of importance. This section also consists of three parts: before going, during the
stay and upon return to Japan. The object of this paper was to find some common important
rules. Finally, they answered what they learnt during their stay and chose an answer that
applied to their English ability. The particpants who are students at the Notre Dame Seishin
University compared their abilities to their Oral Communication classmates. The others
compared their abilities to their friends’. The questionnaire is in Appendix B.
C) Procedure
The questionnaire had two sections. The first section was taken by all participants
regardless of their previous experience abroad. They answered questions by ranking sentences
from 1 to 11, with 1 being the most useful advice. The second section was taken by
participants who had been overseas for more than 6 months. Approximately 13% of the
participants had been overseas for more than 6 months. They were asked to grade statements
about going abroad according to their level of importance and answered according to their
experience and abilities. Both questionnaires include a section asking for name, sex and
whether or not the participants have been abroad. The questionnaires were given to the
participants and they were allowed to answer questions without time limitations.
2.3 Results
The following tables represent how the participants ranked different advice for
studying abroad before going there, during the stay and upon return to Japan. They will all be
20
discussed in Chapter Three.
21
Table 1: Data before studying abroad1
Highest
rank
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Lowestrank
a. People should research about their host culture. 22.9% 17.1% 12.9% 15.7% 11.4% 5.7% 2.9% 1.4% 2.9% 5.7% 1.4%b. People should memorize English words, idioms and grammar. 8.6% 20.0% 12.9% 11.4% 4.3% 18.6% 5.7% 2.9% 7.1% 4.3% 4.3%c. People should watch movies and TV shows in English without subtitles. 1.4% 8.6% 5.7% 0.0% 5.7% 11.4% 17.1%
12.9% 18.6% 12.9% 5.7%
d. People should talk to native speakers as much as they can. 17.1% 15.7% 10.0% 22.9% 12.9% 5.7% 2.9% 4.3% 2.9% 4.3% 1.4%e. People should learn how to do their own cooking. 1.4% 0.0% 5.7% 8.6% 8.6% 5.7% 8.6% 8.6% 10.0% 11.4% 31.4%f. People should set themselves goals for studying abroad. 44.3% 14.3% 15.7% 5.7% 4.3% 5.7% 4.3% 2.9% 0.0% 1.4% 1.4%g. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. 2.9% 4.3% 17.1% 15.7% 10.0% 7.1% 10.0% 2.9% 7.1% 14.3% 8.6%h. People should learn about their own culture. 1.4% 18.6% 11.4% 7.1% 20.0% 12.9% 10.0% 5.7% 8.6% 4.3% 0.0%i. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. 0.0% 0.0% 4.3% 4.3% 7.1% 2.9% 11.4%
22.9% 15.7% 18.6% 12.9%
j. People should read newspapers and books written English. 0.0% 1.4% 2.9% 7.1% 10.0% 15.7% 15.7%
24.3% 17.1% 4.3% 1.4%
k. People should use an English-English dictionary instead of English-Japanese dictionary 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 1.4% 5.7% 8.6% 11.4%
11.4% 10.0% 18.6% 31.4%
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In item a, “people should research about their host culture” 22.9% of the participants
chose statement “a” as number 1 – the most useful advice. 17.1% also chose [b] (people
should memorize English words, idioms and grammar) as number 2.
With regards to statement [a] (people should research about their host culture), the
subjects ranked it high and agreed with it as number 1 and 2 because the subjects might think
that researching the host culture can help people to avoid culture shock. From 1 to 4’s
percentages is higher than the others, but the data were wide.
With regards to statement [b] (people should memorize English words, idioms and
grammar), they agreed with that, but the data also varied.
With regards to statement [f] (people should set themselves goals for studying
abroad), many subjects chose this sentence as the best advice before going. The percentage is
44.3% and this is the highest percentage of all. The next highest percentage is 22.9 % and it
was [a] (people should research about their host culture) and [d] (people should speak with
native speakers as much as they can in order). In other words, sentences, a, d and especially f
ranked high.
On the other hand, many participants did not agree with [e] (people should learn how
to do their own cooking) and [k] (people should use an English-English dictionary instead of
an English-Japanese dictionary). They tend to think these things are not as important for
studying abroad, so few people ranked these statements at the top.
The remaining statements were also chosen and ranked in the middle. Some of the
participants found them important for studying abroad while others did not. The answers were
too varied to reflect common patterns.
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Table 2: Data while studying abroad
1Highe
strank
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Lowest
ranka. People should communicate with foreigners actively. 61.4% 21.4%
10.0% 1.4% 2.9% 1.4% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
b. People should not spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen 5.7% 28.6%
10.0% 11.4% 8.6%
10.0% 8.6% 1.4% 7.1% 4.3% 4.3%
c. People should watch TV like news and shows, and so on. 2.9% 5.7% 7.1% 5.7% 8.6%
14.3%
17.1%
18.6% 5.7% 11.4% 2.9%
d. People should use English-English dictionary instead of English-Japanese dictionary. 0.0% 2.9% 1.4% 2.9% 1.4% 2.9% 7.1% 8.6% 8.6%
24.3% 40.0%
e. People should keep a diary in English every day. 1.4% 1.4% 4.3% 5.7% 5.7% 5.7%
10.0%
11.4%
21.4%
18.6% 14.3%
f. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when speaking English. 25.7% 22.9%
18.6% 17.1% 2.9% 8.6% 1.4% 1.4% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0%
g. People should join a club actively. 1.4% 7.1%30.0% 25.7%
17.1% 1.4% 4.3% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9% 4.3%
h. People should be respectful of their host city and country. 1.4% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9%
22.9%
12.9%
12.9%
12.9% 11.4%
10.0% 7.1%
i. People should read newspapers and books written English. 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.9% 4.3%
12.9%
15.7%
24.3%
22.9% 11.4% 5.7%
j. People should speak in their class assertively. 0.0% 5.7%
15.7% 20.0%
17.1%
18.6%
10.0% 5.7% 5.7% 1.4% 0.0%
24
k. People should memorize English words, idioms and grammar. 0.0% 1.4% 1.4% 4.3%
10.0%
10.0%
12.9% 8.6%
15.7%
14.3% 21.4%
25
Many subjects agreed that people should communicate with foreigners actively.
61.4% chose this statement as their most useful advice. Based on this choice it is clear they
tend to think it is the most important thing to study abroad.
25.7% of the participants chose [ f] (people should not be afraid of making mistakes
when they speak English) as their most useful advice.
Statement [b] (people should not spend too much time together with their fellow
countrymen) ranked third high, but at the same time a number of particpants found it much
less important making data too varied for adequate evaluation.
On the other hand, many participants tend to think it is not so important to use an
English-English dictionary [d], read newspapers and books written English [i] and memorize
English words, idioms and grammar [k] and these statements ranked low. The rest of the data
were again too varied to reflect common patterns.
26
Table 3: Data after studying abroad
1Highes
trank
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Lowest
ranka. People should think about their future through their experience. 16% 11% 23% 10% 11% 7% 3% 3% 3% 7% 6%
b. People should communicate with native speakers as much as they can. 21% 19% 19% 21% 11% 4% 1% 0% 1% 0% 1%
c. People should watch movies and TV shows in English without subtitles. 1% 3% 3% 6% 11% 17% 13% 11% 11% 13% 10%d. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. 19% 9% 11% 14% 13% 4% 4% 6% 11% 4% 4%e. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. 0% 3% 0% 1% 7% 7% 19% 10% 11% 24% 17%f. People should read newspapers and books written English. 0% 3% 1% 7% 7% 24% 19% 14% 20% 3% 1%g. People should memorize English words, idioms and grammar. 0% 0% 4% 7% 16% 11% 10% 14% 14% 11% 11%h. People should keep a diary in English every day. 3% 4% 4% 4% 7% 9% 7% 14% 16% 14% 17%i. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English. 19% 24% 14% 13% 7% 7% 4% 6% 3% 3% 0%j. People should use an English-English dictionary instead of English-Japanese dictionary. 1% 0% 6% 3% 3% 6% 16% 11% 7% 19% 29%k. People should keep in touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively. 20% 24% 14% 13% 6% 3% 4% 10% 1% 1% 3%
27
The data for these questions were somewhat varied. Only 1% of all the particpants
had studied abroad for more than 6 months, so it might be difficult to decide for those who
had never been overseas for more than 6 months.
In Table 4 the percentage of [a] (people should think about their future through their
experience), [b] (people should communicate with native speakers as much as they can), [d]
(people should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN), [i] (people should not be
afraid of making mistakes when they speak English) and [k] (people should keep in touch
with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively), is almost identical because the
chosen statements varied widely, but there was general tendency to think these things are
relatively important to study abroad.
Table 4: Advice people actually gave the subjects (9 people) before studying abroad
Number %
a. People should research about the culture of their destination country. 7 78%
b. People should memorize English words, idioms and grammar. 4 44%c. People should watch movies and TV shows in English without subtitles. 3 33%
d. People should speak with native speakers as much as they can. 6 67%
e. People should learn how to do their own cooking. 2 22%
f. People should set themselves goals for studying abroad. 7 78%
g. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. 4 44%
h. People should learn about their own culture. 7 78%
i. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. 1 11%
j. People should read newspapers and books written English. 1 11%k. People should use an English-English dictionary instead of English-Japanese dictionary 2 22%
There were 9 participants in this questionnaire. Seven (78%) of them thought it
28
necessary to research about their host culture from other people.
The highest percentages were: 78% and for statements [a] (people should research
about the culture of their destination country), [f] (people should set themselves goals for
studying abroad) and [h] (people should learn about their own culture). followed by 67% for
statement [d] (people should speak with native speakers as much as they can). In Table 1,
many participants also chose a, f and h as their top advice, so many participants agree that the
following statements can act as golden rules for studying abroad:
In Table1, [h] (people should learn about their own culture) did not rank high, but in
Table 4, the percentage of it was high relatively.
Table 5: Advice given while studying abroad (n=9)
Number %
a. People should communicate with foreigners actively. 9 100%b. People should not spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen 9 100%
c. People should watch TV like news and shows, and so on. 3 33%d. People should use English-English dictionary instead of English-Japanese dictionary. 3 33%
e. People should keep a diary in English every day. 1 11%f. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English. 8 89%
g. People should join a club actively. 5 56%
h. People should be respectful of their host city and country. 0 0%
i. People should read newspapers and books written English. 1 11%
j. People should speak in their class assertively. 3 33%
k. People should memorize their English words, idioms and grammar. 0 0%
29
All participants chose statements [a] (people should communicate with foreigners
actively) and [b] (people should not spend too much time together with their fellow
countrymen) as most useful ones. These two statements were chosen by 100% of the
participants, i.e. 9 people. They all agree that people should communicate with foreigners
actively and also that they should not spend too much time together with their fellow
countrymen. In Table 2, many particpants chose [a] (people should communicate with
foreigners actively as their top advice). This clearly shows, that communicating with
foreigners is one of major golden rules for studying abroad.
The third highest ranked answer was [f] (people should not be afraid of making
mistakes when they speak English), with 8 particpants (89%) choosing this statement.
Statements [b] (people should not spend too much time together with their fellow
countrymen) and [f] (people should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak
English), were ranked high in Table 2. Many people tend to think they are relatively important
for studying abroad.
Table 6: Advice given after studying abroad (n=9)
30
Number %
a. People should think about their future through their experience. 4 44%b. People should communicate with native speakers as much as they can. 4 44%
c. People should watch movies and TV shows in English without subtitles 3 33%
d. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. 5 56%
e. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. 1 11%f. People should not spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen 3 33%
g. People should memorize English words, idioms and grammar. 3 33%
h. People should keep a diary in English every day. 0 0%i. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English. 5 56%
j. People should use an English-English dictionary instead of English-Japanese dictionary. 1 11%
k. People should keep in touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively. 6 67%
Similarly to Table 3, participants chose diverse statements. The statement chosen
most often was [k] (people should contact friends they made abroad through Facebook or e-
mail), with 6 people (67%) choosing it. This answer was followed closely by [d] (people
should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN) and [i] (people should not be afraid of
making mistakes when they speak English). They were both chosen by 5 participants (56%).
Unfortunately, the data in both Table 3 and 6 is too varied to reflect common patterns
and therefore we cannot draw clear conclusions. The available data tends to suggest that
statements [d] (people should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN), [i] (people
should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English) and [k] (People should
keep in touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively), are relatively
important for studying abroad.
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2.4 Summary
In this chapter, we saw the results of the questionnaire. We are going to discuss them
in Chapter Three and explain what the results mean. Analyzing the results will make us
understand it more deeply and allow us to answer the research questions posed in Chapter
One. Most importantly, it will establish useful guidelines for people who want to study abroad
and help them succeed in achieving this task.
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Chapter Three: Discussion
3.1 Introduction
In Chapter One, we saw what culture shock is and some theories that show the
general process of culture shock. Besides, we looked at various golden rules for studying
abroad given in books and on websites. In Chapter Two, we attempted to find out the common
rules for studying abroad using the two questionnaires which asked the subjects about the
golden rules that can lead to a success before going overseas, during the stay and after going
overseas. In this section, we will discuss the result of the questionnaire in Chapter Two and try
to find some golden rules for studying abroad. Moreover, we also give some advice for people
who will go abroad to succed in studying abroad.
3.2 Overall Result
In Chapter Two, we saw the result from the questionnaire about what golden rules for
studying abroad are. In the evaluation of all participants, many of the subjects agreed with [f]
(People should set themselves goals for studying abroad) before studying abroad and [a]
(People should communicate with foreigners actively) during the stay as the best golden rule.
However, we could not get a clear result about the golden rule after studying abroad because
some data was very varied, so it was difficult to see which rule mostly likely will to lead to
success in studying abroad is. Although many subjects agreed with [a] (People should think
about their future through their experience), [b] (People should communicate with native
speakers as much as they can), [d] (People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and
33
EIKEN), [i] (People should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English) and
[k] (People should keep in touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or email
actively) identically.
In the evaluation of participants who spent more than six months abroad, before
going abroad, the 78% of the subjects chose [a] (People should research about the culture of
their destination country), [f] (People should set themselves goals for studying abroad) and [h]
(People should learn about their own culture) as the best golden rules. They were the same
rate, so we could not find out a particular golden rule. In the questionnaire during their stay,
all of them chose [a] (People should communicate with foreigners actively) and [b] (People
should not spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen) as the best golden
rules. Moreover, after studying abroad, the subjects of 67% chose [d] (People should keep in
touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively). This was the highest
rate of all and could be the best advice. However, the data after studying abroad was very
varied as well.
In the case studies about how the subjects spent time in their host country differed
individually because they had a different environment such as school, country and so on, but
we found there are some similarities between them. The first one was that they set themselves
goal before going abroad. They had each dreams and imagined what kind of person they
wanted to be in the future. About the questionnaire before studying abroad, the all subjects of
case studies did not chose [f] (People should set themselves goals for studying abroad) as the
best golden rules. This means that it was natural for them to have a purpose for studying
abroad. If people do not have it, their motivation for studying tends to be lower, so it is
important to set a goal before studying abroad. The second one was that they had many
opportunities to speak English in their life even after studying abroad. They believed that
34
speaking with native speakers before going abroad and communicating with foreigners
actively during their stay is more effective than using textbooks and they were the best way of
learning English. Therefore, they acted on their own initiative to improve their skill while
staying in the host country. About the data after studying abroad for the subjects of case
studies were varied as well. We found that what people should do to a successful trip after
studying abroad depends on each person. However, they continued having a high motivation
for their dream.
3.3 Case Studies
Four people who had been overseas for more than 6 months from the participants in
the questionnaire were interviewed and it took about 30-40 minutes to interview each one of
them. The purpose of this case study was to use their experience to find out common pattern
and rules for studying abroad based on their experience. The interview was conducted face to
face.
Case Study 1 – Kotona Okuno
She is a 22-year-old Okayama University student. When she was 20 years old, she
decided to go to the State University of New York in the United States for a year. When she
was a child, she listened to Celine Dion’s songs, especially “My Heart Will Go On”, and later
she liked to translate the lyrics from English into Japanese. This prompted her to study
English. Now her dream is to become buyer of clothes and travel around the world, so her
dream supports her English skill.
She had to take TOEFL to get accepted in to the State University of New York and
35
took it three times before finally passing.
In the first part of the questionnaire, she chose statement d, (people should speak
with native speakers as much as they can) as the best advice before going there. In fact, she
attended English conversation school once a week since she was 14, so she had plenty of
opportunities to speak with native speakers. Moreover, she said that she really did not like
typical textbook study, so communicating with natives verbally is the best way to study
English for her.
She stayed at the dormitory where she shared a room with six Americans so she had
many opportunities to speak with native speakers. She chose statement b, (People should not
spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen) as the best advice while studying
abroad. There were some Japanese at the university, but she didn’t spend too much time with
them. She usually went out with her roommates to shop, watch movies etc. To improve her
English, she increased her interpersonal skills and tried to make the most out of them. As a
result, she spoke with many New Yorkers and worked as an assistant in one of the classes,
which enabled her to communicate with an even greater number of people – not only native
speakers, but also students from different countries.
Her second choice for this part of the questionnaire was statement f, (People should
not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English). At first, she could not understand
their English because they spoke too fast and used a lot of slang. However, she tried to speak
English to tell them what she wanted to say without being afraid of making mistakes. She told
me that pretending to understand English was bad, but making mistakes was good for
studying, so the most important thing is to talk as much as you can. Her comprehension and
listening skills increased gradually.
In the last part of the questionnaire, she chose statement d, (people should take tests
36
such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN) as the best advice after studying abroad. She said that
TOEIC and TOEFL scores do not always equate with English skills, but in Japan when
students try to get a job, companies tend to estimate the score rather than the real skill. That’s
why she chose that as her number
After she came back to Japan, she sometimes contacts her American friends through
social networks and Skype. She doesn’t have as many opportunities to use English now, so
chatting with them on Skype and conversing through e-mail or Facebook is the good way not
to forget it.
Case Study 2 - Emiko Sasai
She is a 22-year-old Notre Dame Seishin University student. Last year she decided to
go to University of Victoria in Canada to study for 7 months. Her dream is to work in foreign
countries and get married to a foreigner so she wanted to improve her English skills.
In the first part of the questionnaire, she chose statement d, (people should speak
with native speakers as much as they can) as the best advice before going abroad. She had
several reasons for choosing it. Firstly, she attended English conversation school once a week
since she was 14. Secondly, she has a relative who lives in the United States and she often
goes there during summer vacation. Finally, she has Oral Communication twice a week at the
university, so she often had the possibility to communicate with native speakers. Speaking
with natives is the best way for her to study English.
Moreover her relative, who had studied abroad, suggested that she learn more about
her own culture before going. She learned how to cook Japanese dishes, arrange flowers and
put on a kimono to introduce foreigners to Japanese culture. The students at UVIC came from
many countries and they all had a strong sense of national identity. It was important for her to
37
introduce them to her own cultural background and it also served as a great conversation
starter with other students.
During the stay, she stayed with a host family – a single mother of one boy. She was
very hospitable and also a good adviser. She attended language school at UVIC along with a
large number of other students from Japan and was often involved in volunteer projects to
meet native speakers and take them out shopping or for a meal.
She said that it is important to increase interpersonal relations to communicate with
foreigners. In the second part of the questionnaire (during the stay) she therefore chose
“people should communicate with foreigners actively” as number 1 and “people should join a
club actively”. Moreover, she is never afraid of making mistakes when she speaks English,
and chose “people should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English” as
number 3 in this part.
Upon her return to Japan, she continues to keep in touch with her host family and
friends through Facebook and Skype. She said that these are very useful for English practice
and chose k, “People should keep in touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or
email actively” as the best advice.
Through her experience in Canada, her sense of values changed drastically and she
agrees that people should think about their future through their experience as the third advice.
Case Study 3 - Shiori Yamaguchi
She is a 22-year-old Notre Dame Seishin University student. Two years ago she
decided to go to University of Victoria for 7 months. Her dream is to get a job related to
English, so she wanted to speak English fluently.
In the questionnaire, she said that people should speak with native speakers as much
38
as they can as the best advice before going abroad. She had Oral Communication class and
English composition class three times a week, so she had plenty of opportunities to speak with
native speakers. Moreover she had to take TOEFL and these opportunities were a perfect
occasion to prepare for the speaking part of the test.
While studying abroad, she stayed with a host family, a single mother with two sons.
She also had Chinese roommate. She attended language school at UVIC and there were few
native speakers there so she often went out for yoga and joined volunteer works to meet
native speakers. For this part of the questionnaire – during the stay – she chose “people should
communicate with foreigners actively” as the best advice and “people should join a club
actively” as the second best.
Her boyfriend whom she met there, is Canadian and she had plenty of opportunities
to speak English when she went out with him. This is the best way to learn English for her.
She sometimes cared about her mistakes when speaking with native speakers, but she was
doing her best and gradually improved.
In the questionnaire, she agreed that “people should communicate with native
speakers as much as they can” is the best advice after studying abroad. She has many
opportunities to speak with native speakers. For example, she often speaks with her boyfriend
through Skype and sometimes contacts friends she met in Canada through Facebook or email.
Her second best advice after studying abroad is “people should think about their future
through their experience”. She chose this largely because her own sense of values changed
greatly after studying abroad and finds this to be important.
Case Study 4 - Yoshiko Yoshida
She is a 38-year- old English teacher. When she was 24, she decided to go to
39
language school in Australia for half and a year. She really like traveling abroad and her
dream was to get a job relating to English, so she wanted to speak fluently.
In the questionnaire, she chose “people should memorize English words, idioms and
grammar” as the best advice before going abroad. She said that even if she did not know how
she expressed something in English, she used some words that she had already known to tell
native speakers. Also she agreed that people should speak with native speakers as much as
they can. She attended English conversation school when she was a little because her mother
was very eager in English education. Moreover, her next-door neighbors were some
foreigners at that time, so she sometimes got on with them. That’s why she had plenty of
opportunities to speak with native speakers.
While studying abroad, at first she stayed with a host family but after a few months,
she decided to live with her boyfriend who was a Chinese-Indonesian. His first language was
English so he supported her English skill. Furthermore, there were few Japanese in the town
so she did not spend much time together with them. For this part of the questionnaire – during
the stay – she chose “people should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak
English” as the best advice during the stay. She said that pretending to understand English
was bad, but making mistakes was good for studying. It was important for her to tell people
what she wanted to say. Also she agreed people should not spend too much time together with
their fellow countrymen as number 2.
In the questionnaire, she agreed that “people should communicate with native
speakers as much as they can” is the best advice after studying abroad. She has many
opportunities to speak with native speakers. For example, she works as an English teacher
now and there is a native speaker there, so she has many opportunities to speak English with
him. Also she often travels abroad. Her second best advice after studying abroad is “people
40
should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English.” She realized that through
her experience.
3.4 Discussion of the results
We looked at the result of the questionnaire in Chapter Two. In this section, we will
see each result in detail and discuss it.
3.4.1 The evaluation of all participants
Before studying abroad
With regards to statement [f] (people should set themselves goals for studying
abroad), many subjects chose the sentence as the best advice before going. The percentage is
44.3% and this is the highest percentage of all. The next highest percentage is 22.9 % and it
was [a] (people should research about their host culture) and [d] (people should speak with
native speakers as much as they can in order). Setting a goal can motivate people highly for
studying abroad and many of the subjects agreed with it. Besides, they chose researching the
host culture could be a golden rule because it can help people to avoid culture shock.
On the other hand, many participants did not agree with [e] (people should learn how
to do their own cooking) and [k] (people should use an English-English dictionary instead of
an English-Japanese dictionary). The subjects seemed to disagree that cooking and using an
English-English dictionary is more effective to learn English.
While studying abroad
61.4 % of the subjects agreed that [a] (people should communicate with foreigners
41
actively) as the best advice. Based on this choice it is clear they tend to think it is the most
important thing to study abroad. 25.7% of the participants chose [ f] (people should not be
afraid of making mistakes when they speak English) as their second advice. Statement [b]
(people should not spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen) ranked third
high. However, the answers were varied too much to get clear data.
After studying abroad
The percentage of [a] (people should think about their future through their
experience), [b] (people should communicate with native speakers as much as they can), [d]
(people should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN), [i] (people should not be
afraid of making mistakes when they speak English) and [k] (people should keep in touch
with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively), is almost identical because the
chosen statements varied widely, but there was general tendency to think these things are
relatively important to study abroad. The questions were answered in varied ways somehow
because it seemed that only 1% of all the particpants had studied abroad for more than 6
months, so it might be difficult to decide for those who had never been overseas for more than
6 months and think about after studying abroad for a successful trip.
3.4.2 The evaluation of participants who spent more than six months abroad
Before studying abroad
78% of the subjects chose [a] (people should research about the culture of their
destination country), [f] (people should set themselves goals for studying abroad) and [h]
(people should learn about their own culture). They were the highest percentage of all.
42
followed by 67% for statement [d] (people should speak with native speakers as much as they
can).
In the evaluation of all participants, [h] (people should learn about their own culture)
did not rank high as the golden rules before studying abroad, but in the evaluation of
participants who spent more than six months abroad, many of them chose it. From the case
studies, we found the students came from many countries and they all had a strong sense of
national identity, so it was important for the subjects to introduce them to their own cultural
background and it also served as a great conversation starter with other students. That’s why
the percentage was high.
While studying abroad
All participants chose statements [a] (people should communicate with foreigners
actively) and [b] (people should not spend too much time together with their fellow
countrymen) as the most useful ones. It seemed that it is important to have many opportunities
to use English actively during thier stay. The third highest ranked answer was [f] (people
should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English).
After studying abroad
The statement chosen most often was [k] (people should keep in touch with friends
met overseas through Facebook or email actively), with 6 people (67%) choosing it. This
answer was followed closely by [d] (people should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and
EIKEN) and [i] (people should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English).
However other questions were answered in varied ways.
Overall, from the both data of all participants and those who spent more than six
43
months abroad, we found that setting their owns goals for studying abroad before studying
abroad, communicating with foreigners actively while studing abroad and keeping in touch
with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively after studying abroad could be
the golden rule. However, other answers were varied, so it was difficult to get a clear data.
3.5 Discussion of the Research Questions
Now the answer for Research questions in Chapter One can be discussed. There are
two questions to mention about.
Research Question 1: What are the golden rules for studying abroad?
The data from Chapter Two were used to find out if there are any Golden Rules
collected by the subjects. There are too many variables to consider what golden rules for
studying abroad are to make anything certain from the data we have collected, but it is
possible to state some common rules which lead to succeed in studying abroad collected from
Chapter Two. Firstly, many of the subjects agreed that setting themselves goals for studying
abroad, researching about the culture of their destination country and speaking with native
speakers as much as they can could be golden rules before studying abroad. Secondly, they
chose communicating with foreigners actively, not spending too much time together with their
fellow countrymen and not being afraid of making mistakes when they speak English as the
golden rules during thier stay. Thirdly, they agreed keeping in touch with friends met overseas
through Facebook or email actively, taking tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN and not
being afraid of making mistakes when they speak English could be the golden rules after
studying abroad. Thus the subjects tend to think that it is important to make situations and
44
environment to use English and this could be the best way to learn English. Moreover, in the
case studies, we found that having a clear goal promoted the subjects to learn English greatly.
The golden rules for studying abroad are close to people at hand and it is important to act
independantly whenever they do something for a successful trip.
Research Question 2: Which GR is mostly likely to lead to a successful trip?
From the both data of all participants and those who spent more than six months
abroad, we found that setting themselves goals for studying abroad before studying abroad,
communicating with foreigners actively while studing abroad, and keeping in touch with
friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively after studying abroad, are mostly
likely to lead to a successful trip.
3.6 Implications
We have seen the results of the questionnaire in Chapter Two and discussed them in
this chapter. Some of the data especially the result after studying abroad was varied, but we
find out some common rules for it. Therefore we want to give advice to people who will go
abroad to succeed in studying abroad from the view including general ideas for the solution.
Studying abroad has both a bright side and a dark side. If people do nothing but
collect advantageous information, they will face difficulties easily while studying abroad. On
the other hand, if they only collect dark information, they just will feel strong worry and
finally their motivation might be lower for studying abroad. Thus it is important to know what
information right is and what people need for studying abroad. Besides, how they make the
most of the information for it is also important before going abroad. Honbashi said some
45
people believe that people should not spend too much with their fellow people during the stay.
Although he said that people do not have to hate spending with their fellow people because
they want to improve their skill. The reason for it is talking with their fellow people make
people free from their stress and work good mentally during the stay. (Honbashi, 2005:100-
101) Of course, spending time with their fellow people all the time is not good, but not only
learning language but also broadening views through intercultural communication in studying
abroad is important. Therefore, we should judge whether information of studying abroad is
right or not because there are many theories which could lead to a successful trip in general.
Furthermore, the way of thinking that someone helps to improve English skill is wrong and
passive attitude for studying abroad do not work well. People should act independently in all
they do for studying abroad and consider the purpose is not language but what they want to do
by using the language. (Honbashi, 2005: 49)
3.7 Further research
There are some ideas which we can research more. Firstly, we can interview more
people who spent more than six months abroad. We will be able to get clearer data. In this
study, we chose the subjects randomly and asked nine people who had gone abroad for more
than six months, so some data were very varied especially the result after studying abroad. It
might be difficult for the subjects who have never studied abroad imagine what people should
do to succeed in studying abroad. To get a clear result, the subjects should have been for only
people who have been abroad and the questions should have been given to people in more real
situations so that they could have imagined the situations. Secondly, the number of subjects
was not enough. If a more appropriate number of subjects had answered the questionnaire, we
46
could have got better data. It was not really the adequate number to get the most reliable data
for finding out golden rules of studying abroad. If so, we will see a clear result.
3.8 Conclusion
This research showed us what golden rules are and which golden rules mostly likely
to lead to a successful trip. In this questionnaire, the data we have collected were varied but
we could find some common rules and these rules will help people who is going to study
abroad to succeed it.
As we saw in this thesis, it is important to prepare fully for studying abroad. For
example, setting a goal can make people promote to learn English and researching about the
host culture can help people to avoid to culture shock. Besides, we have to try to make
situations to use English and act on our own initiative, so communicating with foreigners
including native speakers without being afraid of making mistakes could lead to a successful
trip. These things could be golden rules. Experiencing studying abroad is wonderful to
broaden people’s view and thinking in the world, so we should not miss the great chance to
develop ourselves.
Nowadays, there are a great number of people who study abroad. However some
people feel that they could improve their skill and other do not. Researching what golden
rules are is interesting and the results we have collected from this questionnaire will help
people who are going to study abroad to succeed in studying abroad. With the understanding
of it, they can have much better time.
47
Reference
Author unknown. 2003. Culture Shock - Causes, Consequences & Solutions: The
International Experience. Berufsakademie Mannheim.
Retrieved from
<http://www.grin.com/en/e-book/108360/culture-shock-causes-consequences-and-
solutions-the-international-experience> September 29th. 2012.
48
Bennett, J, M. 1998. Transition Shock: Putting Culture Shock in Perspective. In Bennett,
Milton J. Basic Concepts of Intercultural Communication. Intercultural press; Maine
Honbashi, Y..2005. 語学留学指南 知っておきたい語学留学の幻想と成功条件. 株式会
社ナカニシヤ出版
Ishii, S, Okabe, R. and Kume, T. 1996. 異文化コミュニケーション 新・国際人への条
件 改訂版. Yuhikaku.
Jandt, F. E. 2010. An introduction to Intercultural Communication Identities in a Global
Community. SAGE Publications, Inc.
Kumehara, K. 2006. 間違いだらけの海外留学. 株式会社 大修館書店
Lee, Hung-Wen, 2006. Perceptive of Expatriation and Cross-Cultural Adjustment. . Journal of
Global Business Management (2) v. 1.
Retrieved from
<http://www.jgbm.org/page/22%20Dr.%20Lee,%20Hung-
Wen.pdf#search='cultural+adjustment+U+curve+figure'> September 28th, 2012.
49
Rhinesmith, S. 1984. Returning home, Canadian Bureau for International Education.
Sato, Y. 2012. Benefits of short-term study abroad experiences: The Language Teacher. 36
(5): 14-16.
Uchida, T. 2005. 内田樹の研究所：パリ症候群.
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AppendicesAppendix A English version
What are the golden rules for studying abroad?
Name 1.1 Male / FemalePlease answer these questions.
Which countries have you been?Name Length of stay Purpose
1.2a1.2b1.2c1.2d1.2e1.2f1.2g
(In General)1.3. What do you feel is the best advice for studying abroad? Please rank the sentences a to k from 1-11. The best advice is number 1.
1.3a Before studying abroad?a. People should research about their host culture. ( )b. People should memorize their host words, idioms and grammar. ( )c. People should watch movies in English without the subtitle. ( )d. People should speak with native speakers as much as they can. ( )e. People should learn how to do their cooking. ( )f. People should set themselves goals for studying abroad. ( )g. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. ( )h. People should learn their own culture. ( )i. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. ( )j. People should read newspapers and books written English. ( )k. People should use an English-English dictionary not an English-Japanese dictionary. ( )
1.3b While studying abroad?a. People should communicate with foreigners actively. ( )b. People should not spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen. ( )c. People should watch TV like news and drama, and so on. ( )d. People should use an English-English dictionary not an English-Japanese dictionary. ( )
51
e. People should keep a diary in English every day. ( )f. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English. ( )g. People should join a club actively. ( )h. People should be respectful of their host city and their country. ( )i. People should read newspapers and books written English. ( )j. People should speak in their class assertively. ( )k. People should memorize their host words, idioms and grammar. ( )
1.3c After studying abroad?a. People should think about their future through your experience. ( )b. People should communicate with native speakers as much as they can. ( )c. People should watch movie and drama in English without the subtitle. ( )d. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. ( )e. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. ( )f. People should read newspapers and books written English. ( )g. People should memorize their host words, idioms and grammar. ( )h. People should keep a diary in English every day. ( )i. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English. ( )j. People should use an English-English dictionary not an English-Japanese dictionary. ( )k. People should keep in touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively. ( )
52
卒業論文に関するアンケート
英語英文学科 4 年 山本 理紗私は現在、留学を成功させるための黄金のルールを調べています。以下の質問にご協力下さい。なお、アンケートの結果は卒業論文のデータ処理時のみに使用させていただきます。
名前 ( )1.1 男性／女性
あなたはどこの国に行ったことがありますか？
国名 期間 目的(留学や旅行など)1.2a1.2b1.2c1.2d1.2e1.2f1.2g
1.2 あなたにとって留学を成功させるための一番のアドバイスは何ですか？ａ－k の文章を１～１ 1 でランクをつけて下さい。一番だと思うアドバイスは１となります。
1.3a 留学に行く前は？
a. 留学に行く国の文化について調べておくべき。( )b. 単語や熟語、文法を覚えるべき。( )c. 洋画を字幕ありもしくはなしで見るべき。( )d. できるだけネイティブスピーカーと話すべき。( )e. 自分の国の料理の作り方を覚えるべき。( )f. 留学に対する明確な目的を決めるべき。( )g. TOEIC, TOEFL や英検のようなテストを受けるべき。( )h. 自分の国の文化を学習するべき。( )i. できるだけ英語で音楽を聴くべき。( )j. 英語で書かれた新聞や本を読むべき。( )k. 英和辞書ではなく英英辞書を使うべきだ。( )
1.3b 留学中は？
a. 積極的に外国人と交流するべきだ。( )b. 同じ国どうしで固まらないようにするべきだ。( )c. ニュースやドラマなどテレビを見るべきだ。( )
53
d. 英和辞書ではなく英英辞書を使うべきだ。( )e. 毎日英語で日記をつけるべきだ。( )f. 英語を話す時、間違えを恐れるべきでない。( )g. 積極的に学校のクラブやアクティビティに参加するべきだ。( )h. 現地の町、国に対して敬意を表すべきだ。( )i. 英語で書かれた新聞や本を読むべき。( )j. 授業では積極的に発言するべきだ。( )k. 単語や熟語、文法を覚えるべき。( )
1.3c 留学後は？
a. 留学の経験を通して仕事など将来について考えるべきだ。( )b. できるだけネイティブスピーカーと話すべき。( )c. 洋画を字幕ありもしくはなしで見るべき。( )d. TOEIC, TOEFL や英検のようなテストを受けるべき。( )e. できるだけ英語で音楽を聴くべき。( )f. 英語で書かれた新聞や本を読むべき。( )g. 単語や熟語、文法を覚えるべき。( )h. 毎日英語で日記をつけるべきだ。( )i. 英語を話す時、間違えを恐れるべきでない。( )j. 英和辞書ではなく英英辞書を使うべきだ。( )k. facebook や E メールを通して現地で出会った友達と積極的に交流するべきだ。( )
54
Appendix B
Questionnaire 2. For subjects who have already been overseas for more than 6 months
2-1. What advice did people actually give you about going abroad?Please circle numbers you got from people.
2.2 Before studying abroad?a. People should research about their host culture. ( )b. People should memorize their host words, idioms and grammar. ( )c. People should watch movies in English without the subtitle. ( )d. People should speak with native speakers as much as they can. ( )e. People should learn how to do their cooking. ( )f. People should set themselves goals for studying abroad. ( )g. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. ( )h. People should learn their own culture. ( )i. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. ( )j. People should read newspapers and books written English. ( )k. k. People should use an English-English dictionary not an English-Japanese dictionary. ( )
2.3 While studying abroad?a. People should communicate with foreigners actively. ( )b. People should not spend too much time together with their fellow countrymen. ( )c. People should watch TV like news and drama, and so on. ( )d. People should use English-English dictionary not English-Japanese dictionary. ( )e. People should keep a diary in English every day. ( )f. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when you speak English. ( )g. People should join a club actively. ( )h. People should be respectful of your host city and country. ( )i. People should read newspapers and books written English. ( )j. People should speak in your class assertively. ( )k. People should memorize their host words, idioms and grammar. ( )
2.4 After studying abroad?a. People should think about their future through their experience. ( )b. People should communicate with native speakers as much as they can. ( )c. People should watch movie and drama in English without the subtitle. ( )d. People should take tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL and EIKEN. ( )e. People should listen to music in English as much as they can. ( )f. People should read newspapers and books written English. ( )g. People should memorize their host words, idioms and grammar. ( )h. People should keep a diary in English every day. ( )i. People should not be afraid of making mistakes when they speak English. ( )j. People should use an English-English dictionary not an English-Japanese dictionary. ( )
55
k. People should keep in touch with friends met overseas through Facebook or email actively. ( )
3. What lessons did you learn through your experience?
4. Your abilityPlease circle the one that applies to you.My ability compared to my OC classmates (friends) before I went overseas
a lot lower / a bit lower / about the same / a bit better / a lot better 1 2 3 4 5
Speaking 1 2 3 4 5Listening 1 2 3 4 5Writing 1 2 3 4 5Grammar 1 2 3 4 5Vocabulary 1 2 3 4 5
Thank you very much. Risa Yamamoto
56
Part 2. 6 か月以上留学経験がある方のみご記入願います。
名前 ( ) 男性 / 女性
2.1 留学に関してあなたは人からどのような助言を受けましたか？
番号に○をして下さい。（複数可）
2.1a 留学に行く前は？
a. 留学に行く国の文化について調べておくべき。
b. 単語や熟語、文法を覚えるべき。
c. 洋画を字幕ありもしくはなしで見るべき。
d. できるだけネイティブスピーカーと話すべき。
e. 自分の国の料理の作り方を覚えるべき。
f. 留学に対する明確な目的を決めるべき。
g. TOEIC, TOEFL や英検のようなテストを受けるべき。
h. 自分の国の文化を学習するべき。
i. できるだけ英語で音楽を聴くべき。
j. 英語で書かれた新聞や本を読むべき。
k. 英和辞書ではなく英英辞書を使うべきだ。
それ以外( )
2.1b 留学中は？
a. 積極的に外国人と交流するべきだ。
b. 同じ国どうしで固まらないようにするべきだ。
57
c. ニュースやドラマなどテレビを見るべきだ。
d. 英和辞書ではなく英英辞書を使うべきだ。
e. 毎日英語で日記をつけるべきだ。
f. 英語を話す時、間違えを恐れるべきでない。
g. 積極的に学校のクラブやアクティビティに参加するべきだ。
h. 現地の町、国に対して敬意を表すべきだ。
i. 英語で書かれた新聞や本を読むべき。
j. 授業では積極的に発言するべきだ。
k. 単語や熟語、文法を覚えるべき。
それ以外( )
2.1c 留学後は？
a. 留学の経験を通して仕事など将来について考えるべきだ。
b. できるだけネイティブスピーカーと話すべき。
c. 洋画を字幕ありもしくはなしで見るべき。
d. TOEIC, TOEFL や英検のようなテストを受けるべき。
e. できるだけ英語で音楽を聴くべき。
f. 英語で書かれた新聞や本を読むべき。
g. 単語や熟語、文法を覚えるべき。
h. 毎日英語で日記をつけるべきだ。
i. 英語を話す時、間違えを恐れるべきでない。
j. 英和辞書ではなく英英辞書を使うべきだ。
k. facebook や E メールを通して現地で出会った友達と積極的に交流するべきだ。
58
それ以外( )
3. 留学の経験を通してあなたはどのような教訓を学びましたか？
4. あなたの英語の能力に関して
4.1 留学に行く前、私の英語レベルは…
かなり低い/少し低い/同じくらい/少し高い/とても高い
Speaking 1 2 3 4 5Listening 1 2 3 4 5Writing 1 2 3 4 5Grammar 1 2 3 4 5Vocabulary 1 2 3 4 5
4.2 留学後 、私の英語レベルは…
かなり低い/少し低い/同じくらい/少し高い/とても高い
Speaking 1 2 3 4 5Listening 1 2 3 4 5Writing 1 2 3 4 5Grammar 1 2 3 4 5Vocabulary 1 2 3 4 5
ご協力ありがとうございました。 山本 理紗
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![SHOCK[1] - Hypovolemic Shock](https://img.pdfslide.net/doc/110x75/58edc1bc1a28abae538b4711/shock1-hypovolemic-shock.jpg)
