Investigating the Mindset toward English and Intercultural Understanding of Japanese and Taiwanese University Students - A Comparative Study -

The present study compares the mindset of Japanese and Taiwanese university students based on the questionnaires conducted after telecollaborative exchanges between these two countries. The purpose is to determine the similarities and differences regarding attitudes toward English learning and intercultural understanding. In 2022, two intercultural telecollaborative exchanges were conducted on May 26 and June 2. Participants were 32 second-year Faculty of Engineering students of the University of Miyazaki, Japan, and 55 second and third-year International Understanding Course students of the National Chiayi University, Taiwan. Each side made oral presentations regarding the culture of its own country in English. A questionnaire was conducted after each exchange. The results of this study revealed that the decrease in Japanese students studying abroad might not be the introverted personality for the young generation. By conducting telecollaborative exchanges, students can better understand intercultural communication and motivate them to learn English as a lingua franca.