Polina Ivanova is Senior Researcher at the Asia-Japan Research Institute of Ritsumeikan University, Japan. Her research interests lie in the areas of migration, civil society, and international education in Japan.

'Ivanova's research question is a very important one--can social capital be generated in the short term? The particular context in which she explores this-- foreign students in Japan--is especially important for Japan, but also for almost all states in this era of globalized education. I very much enjoyed reading this book and I learned much from it.'Robert Pekkanen, Professor, University of Washington'Polina Ivanova has opened a new chapter in research on international education. Building social capital in the country of education enables cross-border students to make a meaningful contribution. It matters not just for their careers but for their survival and happiness.'Simon Marginson, Professor of Higher Education, University of Oxford

• Foreword by Prof. Dr. Gabriele Vogt Introduction 1. Theories of civil society and social capital 2. International students and their support groups in Japan 3. Expectations and disillusionment in interactions between international students and civil society organizations (CSOs) 4. International students and their support groups during the COVID-19 pandemic 5. Can social capital be generated in the short term? Conclusion Appendices

Polina Ivanova is Senior Researcher at the Asia-Japan Research Institute of Ritsumeikan University, Japan. Her research interests lie in the areas of migration, civil society, and international education in Japan.

'Ivanova's research question is a very important one--can social capital be generated in the short term? The particular context in which she explores this-- foreign students in Japan--is especially important for Japan, but also for almost all states in this era of globalized education. I very much enjoyed reading this book and I learned much from it.'Robert Pekkanen, Professor, University of Washington'Polina Ivanova has opened a new chapter in research on international education. Building social capital in the country of education enables cross-border students to make a meaningful contribution. It matters not just for their careers but for their survival and happiness.'Simon Marginson, Professor of Higher Education, University of Oxford

• Foreword by Prof. Dr. Gabriele Vogt Introduction 1. Theories of civil society and social capital 2. International students and their support groups in Japan 3. Expectations and disillusionment in interactions between international students and civil society organizations (CSOs) 4. International students and their support groups during the COVID-19 pandemic 5. Can social capital be generated in the short term? Conclusion Appendices