NATIONAL INTERNATIONALISATION

Abstract

Japan’s internationalisation aims to adapt to changing global circumstances while leaving its essence unchanged. This thesis claims that internationalisation at Waseda Shibuya Senior High School simultaneously challenges and reinforces such a model of cautious internationalisation. The thesis was based on an ethnographical study conducted at Waseda Shibuya Senior High School, a private senior high school located in Singapore. The research firstly looks at the school’s promotional literature, which emphasises the school’s links to entities that are widely deemed as international, namely Waseda University and Singapore. However, the school uses these entities and the English language superficially for their connotations of internationality. The paper then next looks at the school opening and graduation ceremonies, which are carefully conducted in a way to replicate the Japanese school culture, although internationality is again emphasised. Lastly, the paper looks at English language in the school, which is driven by good intention, but again limited by both the students’ prior proficiency, attitude, and a need to focus on their studies.