Abstract

This study aims to discuss an effective design for intercultural training programs targeting university students from different cultures. An effective program should, as a matter of course, lead students to gain a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures and a heightened awareness of their own and others’ stereotypes, biases, and judgments regarding cultural differences. Additionally, the program should help them develop self-efficacy to surmount the challenges posed by the various intercultural differences found in society as well as hone their interpersonal and social skills. What types of program activities should be included when designing an effective intercultural training program? To answer this question, this study investigates an intercultural training program held in Okinawa, Japan, and examines the learning outcomes of the program; the participants of the program are Japanese and international students studying in Japan. I analyze the following by program activity type and subject attribute: changes in the participants’ awareness of their own and others’ stereotyping tendencies, increases in their level of understanding of their own and other cultures, positive changes in self-efficacy levels, and improvements in their interpersonal and social skills.