ERIC Number: EJ904249
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Nov
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1028-3153
EISSN: N/A
What Shapes Short-Term Study Abroad Experiences? A Comparative Case Study of Students' Motives and Goals
Allen, Heather Willis
Journal of Studies in International Education, v14 n5 p452-470 Nov 2010
This comparative case study explored the motives and goals of two American students participating in short-term study abroad (SA). Findings, interpreted from an activity theory perspective, demonstrated that despite similar language-learning histories and demographic characteristics, the students were learning French and participating in SA for different reasons. Dissimilarities between their language-learning motives and goals for SA led to differences in their experiences using French and interacting with host families and, later, to shifts in goals and language-learning strategies. These findings offer support for a relational definition of the "context" of learning during SA wherein context is emergent from individuals' language-learning motives and reasons for engaging in SA, goals for SA, and resulting actions. Practical implications of this study include the need for intervention in student learning during SA. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: French, Study Abroad, Case Studies, Student Experience, Individual Characteristics, Student Educational Objectives, Second Language Learning, Second Language Programs, Motivation, Summer Programs, Interviews, Questionnaires, Student Journals, Participant Satisfaction, Comparative Analysis, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: France
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A