ABSTRACT
The concluding chapter discusses key findings of the study, its academic contribution, and practical significance. Based on the results of the cross-case analysis, this study shows possibilities of creating social capital in the short term in culturally and socially diverse groups. While a conventional approach sees universities as the main support providers, this research shows the role of local CSOs as alternative actors offering international student support. Unlike the long-standing paradigm viewing Japanese civil society as top-down and closely following the government, this study uncovers many decentralized and bottom-up organizational types. Furthermore, it highlights an active part taken by foreign staff and volunteers in Japanese CSOs which challenges the guest-host dichotomy of the previous literature. This allows reconsidering the role of international students and their interaction with CSOs in community building and creating a more cohesive society. The chapter also acknowledges the limitations of the study and outlines directions for future research.
