Motivation of University Students in Japanese Studies When Applying for “Study in Japan” Programmes: The Case of St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia Cover Image

Мотивацията на студентите японисти при кандидатстване за обучение в Япония – опитът на катедра „Японистика“ към СУ „Св. Климент Охридски“
Motivation of University Students in Japanese Studies When Applying for “Study in Japan” Programmes: The Case of St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia

Author(s): Tsvetomira Ivanova
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Language and Literature Studies, Education, Foreign languages learning, Higher Education
Published by: Великотърновски университет „Св. св. Кирил и Методий”
Keywords: Japanese studies; study abroad; motivation; attitude; university students; COVID-19
Summary/Abstract: Despite the many and varied opportunities, there has been a decline in recent years when it comes to Japanese students who wish to study in Japan. This paper examines the possibilities for study in Japan for different periods of time, as well as its funding. Statistics from previous years are offered, as well as the results of a survey conducted among students in 2020. The results indicate the reasons for the decline in interest, and these are far from being limited only to the “different” academic year 2019/2020. Motivation and attitudes towards learning in Japan are based on problems of all kinds, which have always existed among the departing, but have recently become more intense. It turns out that the detailed information, provided by students returning from Japan to potential future candidates is too general or provided in an inappropriate format. The paper proposes solutions for the appropriate provision of more information, as well as side incentives to increase the interest of Sofia University Japanese studies students towards study in Japan programs.