Ryo KUROSE    Department   Kyoto University of Foreign Studies  ,    Position   Assistant Professor-lecturer
Language	Japanese
Publication Date	2026/03
Type	Academic Paper
Peer Review	Peer reviewed
Title	An Investigation of Changes in Japanese Students Participating in a Multicultural Co-Curricular Program
Contribution Type	Multiple author(s)
Journal	International Language and Culture
Journal Type	Japan
Volume, Issue, Page	pp.1-16
Total page number	16
Author and coauthor	◎Yumiko Kondo・Ryo Kurose
Details	This study examines changes in intercultural sensitivity among Japanese students who participated in a one-semester, out-of-class multicultural co-curricular program. Students engaged in weekly fixed-pair conversations in Japanese with international students. Intercultural sensitivity was measured using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale before and after the program. Results showed significant improvements in emotional comfort and enjoyment in intercultural interactions, Japanese communication skills, acceptance of other cultures, self-esteem, and expectations of acceptance from individuals of different cultural backgrounds. These changes were linked to better self-understanding, improved communication skills, greater awareness of diverse perspectives, and reduced anxiety. The program, based on the contact hypothesis, also enhanced communication skills and deepened understanding of interpersonal relationships, conversational content, and partners’ cultural backgrounds.