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

MASTER'S THESIS INFORMATION

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

3. Date of birth: September 9, 1992

4. Place of birth: Tuyen Quang

5. Student recognition decision No. 4058/2022/QD-XHNV dated December 28, 2022 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in training process: Extended once (until June 28, 2025)

7. Thesis topic name:

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

8. Major: Asian Studies; Code: 8310608.01

9. Scientific instructor:

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

Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thuy – University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU

10. Summary of 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 analyzes the current situation and challenges that the Japanese language school system is facing, especially for Vietnamese students - a group that accounts for a large proportion at these institutions. From there, the study proposes solutions to improve teaching quality, improve support for international students and optimize the learning experience, towards sustainable development. The main results of the thesis are presented in three chapters as follows:

Chapter 1 analyzed the process of formation and development of policies to attract international students in Japan from the Meiji period to the present, thereby clarifying the motivations for Japan to implement these policies. The study emphasized the role of Japanese language schools as a starting platform, providing basic language knowledge and creating a premise for international students to continue their studies or participate in the labor market.

Chapter 2 focuses on analyzing the role of the Japanese language school system in the context of multicultural society in Japan, especially in the period 2011-2023 when the number of international students from countries that do not use Chinese characters increases significantly. The study also points out the challenges that the Japanese language school system is facing, from the learning capacity of international students to the shortage of teachers and shortcomings in training. On that basis, the chapter evaluates the solutions that have been and are being implemented to improve the quality of training and support for international students.

Chapter 3 examined the current situation of Vietnamese international students - a typical group of students at Japanese language schools, and clarified the difficulties in studying, adapting to society, finance and career orientation. Although schools have implemented many support measures, there are still limitations that need to be overcome. From there, the study proposed comprehensive solutions to optimize the learning experience and promote sustainable development for the international student community in Japan.

11. Practical application (if any):

The research results of the topic are not only academic but also have high practical application value, contributing to the orientation and support of educational management agencies, Japanese language schools, NPOs, study abroad consulting companies as well as international students and their families in improving the quality of study and sustainable development in Japan.

For education authorities, the study provides important data to adjust policies to attract international students, while strengthening support programs to improve the quality of Japanese language training, improve compensation mechanisms for teachers, and develop support programs for international students during their studies and social integration.

For Japanese language schools, the research results highlight specific challenges related to teaching quality, international students’ learning ability, and teacher training. Schools can apply the proposed solutions to develop and implement appropriate training programs, focusing on improving language skills, improving academic counseling, and career guidance for international students. At the same time, establishing internal scholarship funds and implementing financial support programs will help reduce economic pressure on disadvantaged international students.

In addition, non-profit organizations (NPOs) can apply the methods of implementing peer support models, building multilingual volunteer counseling networks, and providing emergency support proposed in the study to enhance the integration and adaptation capabilities of international students in Japan.

For study abroad consulting companies, the study provides specific recommendations on transparency of admission information, personalized orientation counseling, and maintaining a support system after international students arrive in Japan. These measures not only contribute to enhancing the reputation of the companies but also help increase the success rate of international students in studying and integrating in Japan.

Finally, for international students and their families, the study provides specific recommendations on how to prepare basic skills before studying abroad, and how to build a learning and career development path in Japan. Raising awareness of support resources at schools and community organizations will help international students make effective use of learning, working 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”, in the future, the author can conduct other studies such as “Vietnamese students graduating from Japanese language schools in Japan: Challenges and opportunities for career development when returning home”; “Current status of studying and social integration of Japanese language school students with spouse visas: Comparison with the group of international students with student visas”; “Building a multicultural symbiotic society through Japanese language schools: Case study of Vietnamese international 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.