Effects of short-term study abroad on L2 learners' attitudes towards Spanish

This study explores the effects of participation in short-term summer study abroad (SA) programmes in Spain on second language (L2) learners' attitudes towards Spanish. Both quantitative and qualitative findings indicate that participants' international experience improved their attitudes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of multilingual and multicultural development 2023-02, Vol.ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), p.1-16
Main Author: Artamonova, Tatiana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
L2 learners
language attitudes
language attitudes questionnaire
Short-term study abroad
study abroad outcomes
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Summary:This study explores the effects of participation in short-term summer study abroad (SA) programmes in Spain on second language (L2) learners' attitudes towards Spanish. Both quantitative and qualitative findings indicate that participants' international experience improved their attitudes with regard to L2 learning. More importantly, participant comments provide insights into the aspects of SA context that played a key role in shaping their attitudes. Interaction in the L2 while abroad helped SA participants appraise their skills and improve them, thus leading to an increase in confidence and an interest in further language study. These findings have implications for L2 learners, faculty members that lead SA programmes, and departments or institutions that offer or consider offering international programmes. An in-depth understanding of SA experiences and their effects on student participants informs programme building, revision, and promotion.
ISSN:0143-4632
1747-7557
DOI:10.1080/01434632.2023.2180008