2018 Volume 6 Issue 1 Pages 45-55
This paper examines the process of developing the hybrid English language program, consisting of the short-term intensive course in Manila in the Philippines coupled with the preliminary online lessons, which were conducted twice on a trial basis. The program has been organized to help Meiji University students with limited English-speaking skills develop their proficiency intensively. Primary objectives of the program include linguistic preparation and development of intercultural competence for a successful study-abroad experience. First, the paper explains the context behind the creation of the hybrid program and the design of the trial programs implemented in the summer of 2017 and the spring of 2018 respectively. Next, the paper describes the program in practice and examines the impact on the program participants’ speaking proficiencies, referring to their TOEIC® Speaking Test scores conducted as pre-and post-tests. Finally, the paper argues how the program has been transformed into a credit-bearing course with the aim of developing both the English language proficiency and the cultural competency as part of the effort to foster global human resources.
