Civil Society Groups Involved with International Students in Japan: Typology and Social Capital Generation

Polina Ivanova

doi:10.1515/npf-2019-0058

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the interaction between civil society organizations in Japan and incoming international students to illustrate how the nonprofit sector can be conducive to social capital generation in diverse groups in the short-term. Based on interviews, participant observation and document analysis, this study examines motivations of nonprofit staff and volunteers to get involved with international students and connects them to students’ expectations and needs. The paper suggests ways of improving engagement between Japanese civil society organizations and international students to benefit all the stakeholders.

Highlights

The internationalization of higher education in Japan is an ongoing process that has been invigorated by globalization since the 1990s
This article explores the interaction between civil society organizations in Japan and incoming international students to illustrate how the nonprofit sector can be conducive to social capital generation in diverse groups in the short-term
The field research findings confirm that most Japanese civil society organizations (CSOs) involved with international students see themselves as service providers and students as aid recipients, in line with the previous literature (Vogt and Lersch 2007)

Summary

Introduction

The internationalization of higher education in Japan is an ongoing process that has been invigorated by globalization since the 1990s. It has been a top down reform initiated by the Japanese government and implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The internationalization of higher education comprises many aspects, this study focuses only on incoming overseas students. Some of the relevant MEXT initiatives include 300,000 International Student Plan and Top Global University Project. The Top Global was launched in 2014 and is scheduled to run until 2023.

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Conclusion