Japan is often seen as an insular, isolated society, a trait inherited from its physically distant island characteristic. There are many who worry that this lack of international interest will hurt Japan in the future.

But is this really so? It appears that with college students, at least, there is an active interest in study overseas. Almost half of respondents in a recent survey wanted to study abroad, while another half did not want to.

Why study abroad? Interest in English and for future jobs were some major reasons, but scholarships were also big incentives.

One interesting thing? Those who studied abroad were more optimistic about the future of Japan.

Source: Survey debunks Japanese students stay-at-home myth – University World News.

Image: Jerich Abon.