Presentation Information
[SY-96]Studying in a Japanese medical school as an international student: aims and challenges
Uyanga Tsovoosed1, Asraa Faris Aldoghachi1, Nur Azrah Fazer Binti Mohd Ariffin1, Chizuko Tezuka2, Yuji Ozeki1, Akiko Onishi3 (1.Shiga University of Medical Science(Japan), 2.formerly Keio University(Japan), 3.The University of Tokyo(Japan))
Keywords:
international student,adapt to the country's lifestyle,cultural friction
In 2008, the Japanese government formulated the “300,000 International Student Project.” According to a survey by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the number of international students in 2023 was 279,274. The number of international students enrolled in medical departments of medical schools is not indicated in this survey. Shiga University of Medical Science currently accepts 33 international students from 8 countries.
Several reports have already been published on the issues faced by international students. Akiko ONISHI discusses the construction of student support services that respond to diversity in her book (2016), and Toshiko OHASHI has published a book on the mental health of international students (2008). These reports give us an idea of the psychological and cultural issues for them and helpful services for them. However, we have not found any reports focusing on international medical school students.
International students need to learn in-depth about their significant fields, learn about the lifestyle of the country where they study, and adapt to life there. Such attempts can be a psychological burden. On the other hand, overcoming challenges can also be an experience that has a positive impact on the lives of international students, such as in terms of learning and growth.
In this symposium, speakers who are currently studying at medical schools in Japan will reflect on their own experiences and how they overcame them. Such autobiographical events as a person involved in the situation may lead to a broader cultural, political, and social meaning and understanding (it could be said that it is an auto-ethnographic attempt). Ultimately, these efforts will clarify the issues Japanese universities and local communities face when accepting and studying with international students and the goals we should challenge.
Several reports have already been published on the issues faced by international students. Akiko ONISHI discusses the construction of student support services that respond to diversity in her book (2016), and Toshiko OHASHI has published a book on the mental health of international students (2008). These reports give us an idea of the psychological and cultural issues for them and helpful services for them. However, we have not found any reports focusing on international medical school students.
International students need to learn in-depth about their significant fields, learn about the lifestyle of the country where they study, and adapt to life there. Such attempts can be a psychological burden. On the other hand, overcoming challenges can also be an experience that has a positive impact on the lives of international students, such as in terms of learning and growth.
In this symposium, speakers who are currently studying at medical schools in Japan will reflect on their own experiences and how they overcame them. Such autobiographical events as a person involved in the situation may lead to a broader cultural, political, and social meaning and understanding (it could be said that it is an auto-ethnographic attempt). Ultimately, these efforts will clarify the issues Japanese universities and local communities face when accepting and studying with international students and the goals we should challenge.