University students in Japan generally have few opportunities to use their English outside the classroom setting and it is helpful for universities to promote programs which offer intercultural contact. Taking part in overseas work experience placements or homestay programs helps students to develop intercultural competence (Yashima, 2009, 2010, 2011). Working as an intern at an academic conference in Japan may offer an affordable and accessible setting for students to have an intercultural contact experience and use their English in a professional environment. This‘life application’of English may serve to increase motivation (Brophy, 1999; Stockwell, 2011). This paper explores the impact of participating in a two-day conference intern program on six Japanese university students, using interview data. The findings indicate that the program had a positive impact, with students developing skills and dispositions necessary for success in an international work setting. A number of recommendations are made to improve the program.
Clair Taylor (Thu,) studied this question.
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