Education Quarterly Reviews
ISSN 2621-5799
Published: 20 November 2023
Results of a Postgraduate Survey of Physiotherapists who Participated in an Undergraduate International Exchange Program
Kazumasa Nakagawa, Yuko Takahashi
Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Japan
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10.31014/aior.1993.06.04.786
Pages: 80-86
Keywords: Globalization, Germany, Short-Term Study Abroad, Questionnaire, Before the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
[Introduction] Our university and Fresenius University have been conducting short-term international exchange programs involving physiotherapy students since 2012. This study aimed to assess our international exchange program’s impact on students in Japan who have worked as physiotherapists after graduation. [Methods] The subjects were 95 people (40 males and 55 females) who participated in this program when they were students. A questionnaire was administered to the subjects. The questionnaire consisted of 13 items that focused on the following three topics: (A) feedback about this project (three questions); (B) subjects’ present circumstances (nine questions); and (C) interest in studying or working abroad (one key question). All items were answered on an 11-point numerical rating scale (0 [totally disagree] to 10 [totally agree]). “Interest” was the dependent variable, and the other items were explanatory variables. [Results] The exchange relationship nurtured through this program continued even after graduation. However, the graduates were not active in learning about international journals and other information related to physiotherapy. The items that were significantly related to the key question were the language aspect and the continuation of exchange. [Conclusion] Physiotherapists in Japan need to develop an international perspective; thus, it is meaningful for them to gain international experience during their undergraduate years. However, the country is still not oriented toward gaining international perspectives and experiences. Hence, education of international standards and education for improving communication skills are necessary for postgraduate students.
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