In language acquisition, interaction with native speakers outside the classroom is, without a doubt, advantageous. Accordingly, studying in Japan should be the ideal opportunity for students of the language, regardless of their level of proficiency, due to the limitless possibilities for incorporating such interaction into language study. There is evidence, however, that numerous international students do not enjoy the interaction with Japanese people they had expected before arriving in the country. Nor are they able to make many Japanese friends. In addition, the kind of interaction actually experienced while studying in Japan is in itself at times problematic. The purpose of this paper will be to examine these issues and to suggest ways to make the study abroad experience as ideal as it can be.
Based on data gathered in an ongoing project that incorporates student research on Japanese culture and visits to Japanese homes, this paper investigates students' reactions to 'Japanese-style' questions and cultural differences in communication. Divided into small groups, students chose a topic and then asked relevant questions to the family visited. Presented here are the results of interviews using the format: self-introductions, interviews, and free conversation, and conducted from May to July 2001. Noted will be the Japanese tendency to ask questions that focus on the nationality rather than the individuality of the addressee, and the students' lack of cultural training in responding to such queries. While examining the 'Rule Book' (Searle) of Japanese-style Intercultural Communication, ways to better prepare international students for life in Japan from a linguistic and, moreover, a cultural perspective will be considered. In conclusion, the underlying goal of this paper will be to initiate discussion on what is an important, yet long neglected topic: study abroad and language acquisition.