TTLV: Studying at Japanese language schools in Japan: current situation, problems, and solutions

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

1. Student's full name: Bui Thi Hong Trang 2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: September 9, 1992

4. Place of birth: Tuyen Quang

5. Decision No. 4058/2022/QD-XHNV dated December 28, 2022, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, recognizing the student.

6. Changes to the training process: One extension is permitted (until June 28, 2025)

7. Thesis title:

Studying at a Japanese language school in Japan: the current situation, problems, and solutions.

8. Major: Asian Studies; Code: 8310608.01

9. Scientific supervisor:

Dr. Ngo Quang Vinh – Dong A University (Da Nang)

Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thuy – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

10. Summary of the thesis results:

The thesis "Studying at Japanese Language Schools in Japan: Current Situation, Problems, and Solutions" focuses on the period from 2011 to 2023. The study analyzes the role of Japanese language schools in Japan's strategy to attract international students, and examines the current situation and challenges facing the Japanese language school system, particularly for Vietnamese students – a large proportion of students at these institutions. Based on this analysis, the study proposes solutions to improve teaching quality, enhance student support, optimize the learning experience, and promote sustainable development. The main findings of the thesis are presented in three chapters as follows:

Chapter 1 analyzed the formation and development of policies to attract international students in Japan from the Meiji era to the present, thereby clarifying the motivations behind Japan's implementation of these policies. The study emphasized the role of Japanese language schools as a foundational institution, providing basic language knowledge and creating a prerequisite for international students to continue their studies or enter the labor market.

Chapter 2 focuses on analyzing the role of the Japanese language school system within the context of Japan's multicultural society, particularly during the period of 2011-2023 when the number of international students from non-Kanji-using countries increased significantly. The study also highlights the challenges facing the Japanese language school system, ranging from the academic capabilities of international students to teacher shortages and shortcomings in training programs. Based on this, the chapter assesses solutions that have been and are being implemented to improve the quality of training and support for international students.

Chapter 3 surveyed the current situation of Vietnamese students studying in Japan – a representative group at Japanese language schools – clarifying the difficulties they face in their studies, social adaptation, finances, and career orientation. Although the schools have implemented various support measures, limitations still exist that need to be addressed. Therefore, the study proposed comprehensive solutions to optimize the learning experience and promote sustainable development for the Vietnamese student community in Japan.

11. Practical applications (if any):

The research findings of this project are not only academically valuable but also have high practical application value, contributing to guiding and supporting educational management agencies, Japanese language schools, NPOs, study abroad consulting companies, as well as international students and their families in improving the quality of learning and sustainable development in Japan.

For educational authorities, the research provides crucial data for adjusting policies to attract international students, while also strengthening support programs to improve the quality of Japanese language training, enhance teacher remuneration, and develop support programs for international students during their studies and social integration.

For Japanese language schools, research findings highlight specific challenges related to teaching quality, the academic capabilities of international students, and teacher training. Schools can apply the proposed solutions to develop and implement appropriate training programs, focusing on improving language proficiency, enhancing academic counseling, and career guidance for international students. Simultaneously, establishing internal scholarship funds and implementing financial aid programs will help alleviate the economic burden on students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Additionally, non-profit organizations (NPOs) can apply the peer-to-peer support models, build multilingual volunteer counseling networks, and provide emergency support as suggested in the study to enhance the integration and adaptation of international students in Japan.

For study abroad consulting companies, the research offers specific recommendations on transparency in admissions information, personalized career guidance, and maintaining a support system after students arrive in Japan. These measures not only enhance the companies' reputation but also increase the success rate of students' studies and integration into Japanese society.

Finally, for international students and their families, the study provides specific recommendations on how to prepare foundational skills before studying abroad, build academic pathways, and develop careers in Japan. Raising awareness of support resources at schools and community organizations will help international students effectively utilize learning, work, and social integration opportunities, contributing to the sustainable development of the international student community in Japan.

12. Further research directions (if any):

Based on the results of the thesis "Studying at Japanese Language Schools in Japan: Current Situation, Problems, and Solutions," the author may conduct other research in the future such as "Vietnamese Students Graduating from Japanese Language Schools in Japan: Challenges and Career Development Opportunities Upon Returning Home"; "The Current Situation of Learning and Social Integration of Japanese Language School Students on Spousal Visas: Comparison with Students on Student Visas"; "Building a Multicultural Symbiotic Society Through Japanese Language Schools: A Case Study of Vietnamese Students"; etc.

13. Published works related to the thesis: None

INFORMATION REGARDING MASTER'S THESIS

1. Student's full name: Bui Thi Hong Trang 2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: September 9, 1992

4. Place of birth: Tuyen Quang

5. Decision on Recognition of Students: No. 4058/2022/QD-XHNV dated December 28, 2022, by the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process: Expand (June 28, 2025)

7. Thesis title: Studying Abroad in Japan at Japanese Language Schools: situations, problems and solutions

8. Major: Asian studies; Code: 8310608.01

9. Scientific instructor:

PhD. Ngo Quang Vinh – Dong A University (Da Nang)

PhD. Nguyen Phuong Thuy-University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

10. Summary of the results of the thesis:

The thesis titled “Studying Abroad in Japan at Japanese Language Schools: situations, problems and solutions” focuses on the period from 2011 to 2023. The study analyzes the role of Japanese language schools within Japan's strategy to attract international students, while also examining the current state and challenges faced by these institutions, particularly in relation to Vietnamese students - a group that constitutes a significant proportion of the student population at these schools. Based on the data analysis, the study proposed specific solutions aimed at enhancing teaching quality, improving student support mechanisms, and optimizing the learning experience, with a view toward sustainable development. The main findings of the study were structured across three chapters as follows:

Chapter 1 analyzes the formation and development of international student recruitment policies in Japan from the Meiji era to the present, clarifying the underlying motivations that drove Japan's implementation of these policies. The study underscores the role of Japanese language schools as foundational foundations, providing essential language training and laying the groundwork for international students to pursue further education or enter the labor market.

Chapter 2 focuses on analyzing the role of Japanese language schools within the context of a multicultural society in Japan, particularly during the period from 2011 to 2023, when the number of international students from non-kanji-using countries increased significantly. The study identifies the challenges faced by these institutions, including students' academic capabilities, teacher shortages, and inadequacies in faculty training. elaborate, the chapter evaluates the measures that were implemented to improve educational quality and provide support for international students.

Chapter 3 examines the current situation of Vietnamese students - a representative group at Japanese language schools - highlighting the challenges they face in academic performance, social integration, financial stability, and career orientation. Despite the implementation of various support measures, existing limitations persisted. Developed, the study proposed comprehensive solutions aimed at optimizing the learning experience and promoting sustainable development for the international student community in Japan.

11. Practical applicability (if available):

The findings of this research not only hold academic significance but also possess high practical applicability, serving as a valuable reference for educational management authorities, Japanese language schools, non-profit organizations (NPOs), study abroad consulting firms, as well as international students and their families in enhancing educational quality and promoting sustainable development in Japan.

For educational management authorities, the research provides critical data to adjust student recruitment policies and strengthen support programs aimed at improving Japanese language education, enhancing the welfare of teaching staff, and developing comprehensive student support initiatives throughout their learning and social integration process.

For Japanese language schools, the findings identify specific challenges related to teaching quality, student academic performance, and faculty training. Schools can utilize the proposed solutions to design and implement targeted training programs, emphasizing language proficiency enhancement, academic advice, and career guidance. Additionally, establishing internal scholarship funds and financial support programs can effectively alleviate the economic burden for students from disadvantageous backgrounds.

For non-profit organizations (NPOs), the proposed peer support models, multilingual volunteer networks, and emergency assistance frameworks can be adopted to strengthen the integration and adaptation capabilities of international students in Japan. These initiatives not only provide immediate assistance but also foster long-term community support systems for students.

For study abroad consulting firms, the research offers specific recommendations on promoting transparency in recruitment information, providing personalized career guidance, and maintaining a robust support system after students arrive in Japan. These measures can enhance the firm's credibility while improving student success rates in academic and social integration.

Finally, for international students and their families, the research outlines specific strategies for preparing essential skills prior to studying abroad, structuring a comprehensive study plan, and developing long-term career pathways in Japan. Raising awareness of available resources at schools and within the community will enable students to effectively access support programs, maximize learning opportunities, and actively participate in social networks, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the international student community in Japan.

12. Further research directions (if available):

Based on the findings of the thesis “Studying at Japanese Language Schools in Japan: Current Situation, Issues, and Solutions,” potential research topics include: “Vietnamese Students Graduating from Japanese Language Schools in Japan: Challenges and Career Development Opportunities upon Returning to Vietnam”; “Academic Performance and Social Integration of Spouse Visa Holders at Japanese Language Schools: A Comparison with Student Visa Holders”; “Building a Multicultural Society through Japanese Language Schools: A Case Study of Vietnamese Students” etc…

13. Published works related to this thesis: None.