For Japanese university students, study abroad in a foreign language context represents an excellent opportunity for them to accelerate their language learning and acquire cultural capital (Byram & Feng, 2006). Unfortunately, some reviews of study abroad experiences for Japanese students suggest that the potential of these programs is not being realised (e.g., Sato & Hodge, 2015; Yoshimitsu, 2009). One way to promote a more positive academic and culturally-inclusive study abroad experience is for language teachers to promote students’ digital literacy (Kinginger, 2011). In response to reports of poor digital literacy or ICT skills among Japanese students (see Lockley 2011; Murray & Blyth, 2011; OECD, 2015), this research project was established to learn about Japanese student’s digital literacies and whether they are restricting them from accessing educational and social opportunities while studying abroad.
