Peran Program Sister City Medan-Ichikawa Dalam Peningkatan Minat Belajar Bahasa Dan Budaya Jepang Bagi Pelajar Indonesia

Abstract

The Sister City program between Medan, Indonesia, and Ichikawa, Japan, is an international collaboration aimed at strengthening cultural and educational ties through a student exchange program. This study is motivated by the importance of understanding foreign cultures and increasing interest in learning the Japanese language among Indonesian students. The research examines how this program plays a role in enhancing students' interest in learning the Japanese language and culture, as well as the activities that support this learning process. This study employs international cooperation theory and role theory to analyze how social interactions within the program shape participants' cultural understanding. The research adopts a qualitative descriptive method, utilizing in-depth interviews with participants from the 2018-2019 program, program organizers, and document analysis. The findings indicate that this program serves as a facilitator in increasing students' interest in learning the Japanese language and culture. Through direct interaction with Japanese society, participants develop communication skills and cultural understanding. Activities such as homestays, school visits, and study tours provide deep learning experiences and strengthen ties between Medan and Ichikawa. Additionally, the program motivates participants to further explore the Japanese language and consider studying or pursuing a career in Japan. With the direct experiences it offers, this program not only impacts individual participants but also contributes to strengthening international relations through education-based cultural diplomacy