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Social Networking of International Students in Japanese Communities of Practice

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Social Networking of International Students in Japanese Communities of Practice Social Networking of International Students in Japanese Communities of Practice: Multiple-Case Study of Students from U.S. Institutions of Higher Education Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in the Graduate School of the Ohio State University By Miki Arakaki Graduate Program in East Asian Languages and Literatures The Ohio State University 2018 Thesis Committee Dr. Mari Noda, Advisor Dr. Xiaobin Jian Copyrighted by Miki Arakaki 2018 Abstract It is believed that study abroad provides opportunities for international students to learn the target language(s) and culture(s) by interacting with local residents and expanding social networks. However, in spite of scholarly recognition of the importance of interaction with local residents, previous studies tend to focus on social networks mainly in an academic context rather than how international students interact with off-campus local residents. This gap is addressed through a qualitative multiple-case study of students who study abroad in Japan, coming from U.S. institutions of higher education as exchange students. The case studies of four students examine if they succeed in constructing social networks in local communities of practice that consist of off- campus local residents through program-oriented four-week to seven-week Community Engagement activities. Detailed analysis of students’ journal entries and interviews with local residents indicates that while the social networks between students and members of the local communities of practice are loose and only partially developed, the communities of practice accept students as newcomers who have a positive impact on their mission. The emerging social networks suggest that there is potential for building stronger social networks and for the students to become significant members of the community. ii Dedication Dedicated to Mother and Father iii Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to show my respect and appreciation to my academic advisor Dr. Mari Noda. It has been my privilege to have Dr. Noda as an advisor for two years, and I appreciate her insightful advice and the hours that she devoted to me. I am also grateful for Dr. Xiaobin Jian for providing me with insightful advice. In particular, the notion of the Third Space was eye-opening, and it gave me a new perspective to analyze the data in this study. Also, I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Sanae Eda who encouraged me to pursue a Master’s degree at the Ohio State University, and afforded me the opportunity to conduct this research. In addition, special thanks go to the four students for participating in this research. They were all very cooperative despite their busy schedules. Thank you very much for sharing your experience with me. Lastly, I am thankful for my friends who supported me and gave me advice to complete this thesis. Without their warm support, coffee and chocolates that they gave me, I could not have finished this project. I especially would like to show my appreciating to my roommates, Lindsey Stirek, Angela Saulsbery and the animals in the house for supporting me emotionally. Also, a special thanks to Yeri McClain and Joshua Trinidad who helped me with proofreading my English. iv Vita 2016–Present Graduate Teaching Associate, The Ohio State University, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures 2015–2016 Middlebury C.V. Starr, School in Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Staff member 2013–2015 Middlebury College, Department of Japanese Studies, Teaching Assistant Summer, 2015 Middlebury School of Japanese, Teaching Assistant Summer, 2014 Middlebury School of Japanese, Bilingual Assistant March, 2013 B.A., International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan. 2011–2012 University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Exchange Program) Fields of Study Major Field: East Asian Languages and Literatures Specialization: Japanese Language Pedagogy v Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. iv Vita .......................................................................................................................................v Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... vi List of Tables .......................................................................................................................x List of Figures .................................................................................................................... xi Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................1 Chapter 2: Review of Exiting Research ...............................................................................4 2.1 Social network theory .............................................................................................................4 2.1.1 Definition and three types of social networks .................................................................4 2.1.2 Social network with on-campus local people .................................................................8 2.1.3 Social network with off-campus local people ...............................................................10 2.2 Communities of practice .......................................................................................................11 2.3 The Third Space ...................................................................................................................14 vi 2.4 Three factors that influence students’ interaction with local residents ................................16 2.5 Research question .................................................................................................................18 Chapter 3: Research Methodology .....................................................................................21 3.1 Research design ....................................................................................................................21 3.2 Research site .........................................................................................................................22 3.3 Participants ...........................................................................................................................25 3.3.1 Student participants .......................................................................................................25 3.3.2 Participants from local communities of practice ...........................................................27 3.4 Instruments ...........................................................................................................................28 3.4.1 Background information questionnaire .........................................................................29 3.4.2 Electronic journal entries from student participants .....................................................29 3.4.3 Interviews with the local residents ................................................................................31 3.4.4 E-mail communication ..................................................................................................32 3.5 Data analysis procedures ......................................................................................................33 3.5.1 Journal entry analysis ....................................................................................................33 3.5.2 Interview analysis .........................................................................................................35 Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................37 4.1 The case of Helen .................................................................................................................38 4.1.1 Helen and the Community Engagement program site ..................................................38 4.1.2 Network profile: Helen’s perspective ...........................................................................39 4.1.3 Summary of Helen’s perspective ..................................................................................46 4.1.4 Network profile: A community representative’s perspective .......................................47 vii 4.2 The case of Mia ....................................................................................................................51 4.2.1 Mia and the Community Engagement program site .....................................................51 4.2.2 Network profile: Mia’s perspective ..............................................................................53 4.2.3 Summary of Mia’s perspective .....................................................................................60 4.2.4 Network profile: A community representative’s perspective .......................................61 4.3 The case of Cassie ................................................................................................................64 4.3.1 Cassie and the Community Engagement program site .................................................64 4.3.2 Network profile: Cassie’s
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