Language Proficiency Development and Study Abroad Experience: A Study On EFL Learners

KAYA F.

GIST. EDUCATION AND LEARNING RESEARCH JOURNAL, 2021 (ESCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2021
  • Doi Numarası: 10.26817/16925777.943
  • Dergi Adı: GIST. EDUCATION AND LEARNING RESEARCH JOURNAL
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), EBSCO Education Source, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, DIALNET
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Study abroad, English proficiency, English learners, Learning context, oral skills, interaction, SHORT-TERM, STUDENTS, CONTACT, COGNITION, PROGRAMS, BELIEFS, CONTEXT, ERASMUS, IMPACT, GAINS
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Study abroad experience (SA) has been regarded as one of the best ways to enhance English language proficiency because it offers opportunities for learners to experience the use of English in actual situations. The present research study attempted to explore the language development of a group of EFL learners participating in Erasmus program for SA experience where English is not used as L1. To achieve this, the data were collected through three instruments: Language Contact Profile (LCP), Then and Now Survey, and semi-structured interviews. Fifty-nine students answered LCP and Then and Now Survey and eight students were interviewed. The quantitative result revealed that students experienced greater gains in their oral skills. On the other hand, qualitative results confirm the greater gains in speaking skills with respect to other skills. Moreover, the results highlighted the significance of the learning context and the quality and quantity of interaction for language development.