Abstract

This study aims to analyze effective activity types and student learning outcome in overseas intercultural programs for Japanese university students with different levels of English proficiencies. In designing program activities, it is essential to consider what types of activities encourage participants to engage best in the English language materials, such as small group discussion, study tours, volunteer work, lecture, and free time. Educational activities should differ according to participants’ English proficiencies. Some activities require high-level English communication skills, while other activities require high-level of motivation and a positive attitude rather than student English proficiency. When participants have different English proficiencies, program designers need to provide various activity types in order to keep the attention of the majority of the students. This study discusses what types of activities are preferable for participants with high English proficiency and for those participants with low English proficiency and also presents student learning outcome. The findings can be utilized in the design of effective overseas English programs for participants from non-native English speaking countries.