With the assumption that proficiency in Japanese is an asset in understanding the culture, this panel probes the question of the extent to which the reverse is true. Focusing on the close correlation between direct immersion into Japanese culture and language acquisition, a variety of topics related to study abroad, including pre-departure orientation, the home stay experience, and cultural activities before and during study abroad, will be considered. Of concern will be the shifting interest of students of Japanese from cultural aspects to such areas as business, economics and politics, and the resulting need for increased incorporation of 'culture' into language teaching. Most importantly, while examining study abroad, not as an independent entity, but for its role in the overall scheme of language learning, the panelists will discuss ways in which to maximize the benefits of this experience.
The importance of study abroad programs in language learning is unquestionable, as is the increasing number of foreign students in Japan. The Mombusho's goal of 100,000 will soon be realized with a survey in September 2001 already showing a total of 78,000 foreign students. To meet the rising demands of these numbers, new foreign student centers are being established, the most recent being opened at Ochanomizu University in October 2001. On the other hand, interest in short-term study abroad programs has also become quite prominent, especially in such countries as the United States. Short or long, time invested in study abroad clearly helps speed up the process of language learning, and many are choosing to take this path. Essential in smoothing out the bumps in this fast lane to proficiency is communication between language teachers within and outside Japan. The ultimate goal of this panel will be to initiate such discussion.