Provides an overview of current literature that explores the growth of language proficiency among students who have spent time abroad and includes a descriptive linguistic profile of students who have studied abroad. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence by second language learners during a period of study abroad. Various aspects of sociolinguistic competence are discussed and some of the principal factors that affect it are described. (Author/VWL)

Provides an overview of research over the last 35 years concerning study abroad participants' perceptions of language and language learning, the role of the language classroom, influence of the social environment, and the study abroad experience. The impact of students' performance on the language learning process and the value of student…

Investigates the study abroad experience of two students in a summer program in France to see what kind of interactions influenced their learning. Results show that while homestays played a clear role in learning, other factors such as the nature of the pre-departure preparation meetings, absence of an on-site director, and prior cross-cultural…

Comments on the de facto agenda for study abroad research; reviews literature on reading and study abroad; argues for a "social practices" view of foreign language literacy; and presents findings from an illustrative project in which a qualitative approach framed exploration of study abroad literacy as social practice. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on the background and rapidly growing literature on intercultural exchanges within the European perspective. Describes how study abroad or residence abroad is understood in the European context. Highlights features from current practice, with particular focus on the United Kingdom. (Author/VWL)

Discusses similarities and differences in science education in different cultures. Highlights reasons for study abroad, including access to people, access to facilities, and development of science in a different social and intellectual environment. (Author/VWL)

Provides a discussion of some characteristics of the Asian educational system and then offers a more complete description of science education in Mainland China and Taiwan. Concludes with a discussion of the issues and trends of science education in Mainland China and Taiwan. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the changing role of science education in Singapore vis-a-vis the country's economic development. Suggests that unhindered by traditions or cultures adverse to the learning and application of science, science education is expected to continue to enjoy the support it has received in the past. (Author/VWL)

Discusses diversity in science education in Europe. Provides a global overview of education in Europe and then presents two European models for global education for engineers and scientists that are becoming increasingly important components of their curricula. (Author/VWL)

Outlines the present situation in Greek universities, their goals and characteristics, and the conditions under which these goals can be accomplished. The advantages and disadvantages and legislative framework and internal regulations of Greek universities are discussed. (Author/VWL)

Provides an overview of pre-university education in the United Kingdom and discusses how it influences the types of degree programs offered within universities in the United Kingdom. Highlights the Scottish system, university admissions, undergraduate degrees, modules and credit rating, "sandwich degrees," assessment, quality control and…

Discusses science education in the United States, which is in the midst of an unprecedented reform movement driven by national standards developed with support from the federal government. These standards are redefining the character of science education from kindergarten to the post-graduate education of scientists and science teachers. The new…

Provides an overview of science education in Central America. Discusses the organization of science education, the public and private school systems, traditional obstacles to science education, illiteracy, the low quality of basic education, economic support and employment opportunities, science and society, and the future of science education.…

Discusses the diversity of science education in different Latin American countries. Focuses on the evolution of science education and its influence on development, especially agricultural diversity, the paradigm of the 21st century and its influence on higher education, and implications for science education. (Author/VWL)