2015 Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 31-42
This article presents the results of a survey measuring students’ perceptions of the learning outcomes of semester-long language study abroad programs. Sixty-one female study-abroad participants were queried about their perceptions of five learning outcomes: (1) language acquisition, (2) knowledge of the host country, (3) intercultural awareness, (4) knowledge and awareness of their own culture, and (5) personal growth and development. The results indicated that semester-long language study abroad programs can have a positive impact on overall development in these five areas. The author suggests that semester-long language study abroad programs may serve as an alternative to studying in undergraduate programs that have more strict admission requirements and a higher cost of attendance.
