A Longitudinal Study Exploring Value Changes During the Cultural Assimilation of Japanese Student Pilot Sojourners in the United States

Abstract

This study explored longitudinally the value changes of Japanese student pilot sojourners attending pilot training in the United States for two years. Throughout their stay in the United States they are exposed to the United States Western culture, and assimilate some of that culture, because in order to achieve equilibrium, they will change some of their values, attitudes and behaviors (move toward the similar) and assimilate some of their new culture. This study explored the cultural assimilation of those pilots by exploring value changes using the Rokeach Value Survey; exploring values upon arrival, after one year in the U.S., after two years in the U.S., and one year after return to the Japan. The research results showed significant cultural assimilation as demonstrated by value changes between time of arrival and departure from the U.S., and continuing one year after return to Japan.