Mei-Writing Spring Camp as a novel study-abroad program

Abstract

Although the Japanese government has made great efforts to encourage students to study abroad, Japanese universities continue to struggle to increase student participation in overseas programs. Conventional study-abroad models have been constrained by structural incompatibilities with host institutions, high financial costs, and psychological barriers that discourage many students from participating. This talk introduces the Mei-Writing Spring Camp, a new type of short-term study-abroad program designed to overcome those long-standing problems. Building on the established pedagogical foundations of the Summer Camp, the Spring Camp extends this model to an overseas setting and reframes study abroad as a home-institution–led learning experience rather than a host-institution–dependent exchange. Unlike conventional programs, the Spring Camp is run entirely within the home university’s academic system. As a result, students do not need to worry about credit transfer, double tuition, or delays in graduation, which greatly reduces both administrative and financial burdens. More importantly, the Spring Camp is built on a positive team-based learning model. Students are placed in diverse teams and work together on creative scriptwriting tasks that intentionally include humor. This approach helps students feel relaxed, supported, and connected with their peers. It reduces anxiety about language ability, making friends, and adapting to life in a new country. By learning together in a supportive environment, the Spring Camp effectively addresses the structural, financial, and psychological barriers that often prevent students from studying abroad.