Using relations between Japanese and Korean international students in U.S. universities as a model for international peace building

This research examines the use of the relations between Japanese and Korean students at U.S. universities as a model for international peace building. A close look at the histories of Korea and Japan reveals that historic conflict still exists in the hearts and minds of the people from these countries. This paper explores a new perspective of today's U.S. international education by investigating the interactions between Japanese and Korean students at U.S. universities. The research then examines the application of studying the relationships between Japanese and Korean students in the U.S. to international peace building practices between the students' home countries. A questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews were used to collect information from 52 Japanese and Korean students attending the University of Idaho, Washington State University, Western Oregon University, and Bellevue University in Nebraska. In-depth interviews involved 8 students chosen out of the original 52 students surveyed. The collected data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods in relation to the Inter-group Contact Hypothesis. The research shows that there is a link between the interactions of Japanese and Korean students on U.S. university campuses and common peace building practices in those countries. Professionals in the field of peace building, conflict transformation, and international education will find the data presented in this research useful. International student advisors and ESL staff members can also use the information from this research to better understand and assist their international student populations.