ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the long-term impacts on academic development and attainment based on an empirical study of US study abroad in Japan from the 1960s to 2010s. The findings of the mixed-method study suggest that the study abroad experience reinforces their commitment to Japan through subsequent Japanese language learning at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Japan Study experience influences participants to return to the host country for graduate-level research and study abroad experience and obtain advanced degrees. Moreover, the host country, Japan, also acts as a gateway to the host region in their academic development as they seek to learn more about Asia. Finally, Japan became a stepping stone to the wider world in subsequent academic pursuits as participants sought to expand their knowledge of the world as a whole to be more globally minded, aware of international relations, and prepared to work and be competitive in a global workforce.
