Twenty-sixth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

Studies of language acquisition often footnote study abroad as a kind of effortless magical solution for painless language-related solutions. In fact, a consistent body of research clearly concludes that study abroad can have a positive impact on every domain of language competence. That data assumes study abroad experiences that are traditionally measured in semesters or years. Yet as reported in the U. S. Open Doors Study (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State) over the past five years, full semester study abroad programs in the United States have stalled while short-term programs (eight weeks or less) are clearly in the ascendancy. What is the effect of short-term study abroad programs on students’ desire for language learning? This paper is based on a trial study of undergraduate students, not foreign language majors, and the degree of receptiveness for language acquisition before and after a short-term study program. With full semester programs on the wane, we have to examine how language learning is perceived by students in short-term study. The research is clear regarding first person intensive exposure in promoting language skills; this study quantifies motivation in students who participate in short-term programs. Language acquisition has a new friend.