This paper reviews some of the reasons why a majority of Japanese university students are not interested in study-abroad, international-education type programs. A general consensus in Japan is that disinterest in studying abroad is reflective of the values held by many Japanese young people, often referred to as the "grass-eating" generation. A "grass eater," as defined by the Japanese grass-eater image, is a docile, nonassertive person; someone who desires and is fully content with a passive, stress-free, calm, routine-filled, lifestyle. Grass-eaters are an important and identifiable sub-section of the current Japanese youth scene. A large proportion of this generation are looking for alternative ways to complete higher education.