A Study on the Factors that Hamper the employment of foreign students in Japan-from the Viewpoint of Career Planning

本研究的目的是通过对外国留学生和驻县企业进行的四次调查，弄清外国留学生就业的现状、认识和存在的问题，并思考进一步就业的可能措施。调查的重点是在全国范围内讨论全球化及其人力资源时往往被忽视的地方。研究结果如下：1.许多外国学生在价值观和职业意识方面似乎与同时代的日本学生有相似的特点。他们的职业目标和计划模糊不清，他们作为在日本生活的外国学生的立场模糊。在大学生活的早期阶段，全面的职业生涯教育和支持是必不可少的。许多当地公司尚未全球化，对外国员工的需求有限。从未招聘过外国人的公司可能会对他们产生负面形象，担心他们适应工作场所。不仅是全球化的公司，而且国内公司也有可能继续雇用外国学生。为了促进他们的就业，每个公司都有必要制定商业和就业政策的战略方针。应要求企业界、地方政府和学术界提供各种支持和合作。

This study aims to clarify the present situation, awareness and the problems concerning the employment of foreign students on the basis of four surveys of foreign students and companies in Tochigi prefecture as well as to consider possible measures for further employment. The surveys were conducted to focus on the local area which tends to be overlooked in the nationwide discussion about globalization and its human resources. The findings were as follows :1. Many foreign students seem to have the similar characteristics as the Japanese students of the same generation regarding their values and awareness towards their career. Their career goals and plans are indistinct with their vague standpoints as foreign students living in Japan. The comprehensive career education and support are essential in the early stage of their college life.2. Many of the local companies have not globalized yet and have limited needs for foreign employees. The companies which have never recruited foreigners could have a negative image about them with anxiety for their adaptation to a work place.Not only globalized companies but also domestic ones have possibility for further employment of foreign students. In order to promote their employment, it is necessary for each company to develop strategic approach for business and employment policy. A variety of support and collaborations among business community, local government and academia should be required.