Differences and Changes in Cross-Cultural Sensitivity of German and Japanese Students Before and After Short-Term Exchange Programs

Authors

Kazumasa Nakagawa, Takasaki University of Health and WelfareFollow
Yuko Takahashi, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Department of Physiotherapy, Takasaki, Gunma, JapanFollow
Melanie Zwiorek, Department of Physiotherapy, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Munich, GermanyFollow

ORCID

0000-0002-1562-142X

Abstract

Since 2012, a Japanese and a German university have conducted exchange programs. This study examined the effects of a short-term exchange program in 2023, focusing on intercultural sensitivity. Nine Japanese students and nine German students completed a 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale before and after the program using a 5-point Likert scale. We performed cross-tabulations and analyzed differences between countries and pre- and post-program changes using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. The results suggest that even a short-term exchange enhanced Japanese students’ confidence in intercultural interactions and encouraged German students to reflect on their own culture. However, Japanese students showed lower fairness in perceiving other cultures and experienced greater tension, reflecting distinctive cultural sensibilities.