Japan in the Czech Republic: Home and materiality of Japanese medical students

Bc. Valentína Straková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Predkladaná diplomová práca sa zaoberá adaptačným procesom japonských študen-tov medicíny v Českej republike z pohľadu materiality ich obydlí. V práci využívam niekoľko kvalitatívnych metód vrátane longitudálnych rozhovorov a identifikujem stratégie študentov, ktoré im pomáhajú sa vyrovnať s náročnou situáciou štúdia medicíny v Českej republike. Práca prispieva k pochopeniu málo preskúmanej oblas-ti materiality študentských migrantov a ku kultúrne citlivému uchopeniu konceptu domova v štúdiách domova.

Abstract:

In this thesis, I examine how Japanese medical students relate and adapt to life in the Czech Republic through the lens of the materiality of their dwellings. By utilizing a range of qualitative methods, including longitudinal interviews, the study identi-fies students’ strategies for using objects to help them face their challenging circum-stances, often by imitating Japanese environment. Apart from contributing to the limited literature on the materiality of student migrants, it contributes to home stud-ies by presenting a culturally nuanced understanding of what home is.

Keywords

materialita, študentská migrácia, adaptačný proces, domov Japonci, Česká republika, materiality, student migration, adjustment process, home, Japanese, Czech Republic

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 4. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 31. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Adéla Souralová, Ph.D.
• Reader: PhD. Patrick Laviolette

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Sociology / Sociology