Academic and Daily Life Satisfaction of Monbukagakusho Scholarship Students in Japan: The Case of Peruvian as International Students in Japan

Abstract

As the birth rate in Japan continues to decline, there is a growing need to ensure the availability of highly qualified foreign professionals. In order to attract more international students, it is necessary to understand the variables from the academic and daily life that international students face in Japan. This study shows the variables that influence academic satisfaction, daily life satisfaction and the relationship between these variables for Peruvian students serving as Monbukagakusho scholars in Japan. This study also describes the Monbukakusho scholars experience in their academic and daily life in Japan, which has a unique culture. Mix methodology was used in this study. The quantitative model based on individual data taken from a survey administered to Peruvian Monbukagakusho students, who were studying or are continuing their studies in Japan. The results show that the dependent variables and academic satisfaction are significantly related to language difficulties. Regarding the second dependent variable of, daily life satisfaction, we find a significant relationship between those who choose to study in Japan for cultural reasons and those, who study in shared laboratories and the type of scholarship received. Economic factors such as financial scholarship values are not related to dependent variables. A qualitative design of grounded theory was used as a framework to explore the experiences of Monbukagakusho students’ definition of academic and daily life satisfaction in Japan. Five relevant Japanese codes stand out from the interviews; cohai-sempai, tatemae, honne, omoiyari and aisowarai.