ERIC Number: EJ1178978
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Apr
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1085-4568
EISSN: N/A
Language Learning While Negotiating Race and Ethnicity Abroad
Quan, Tracy
Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, v30 n2 p32-46 Apr 2018
Despite institutional and national focus on the importance of study abroad (SA) in U.S. higher education, the number of students of color abroad is still disproportionately low (Institute of International Education, 2017). Moreover, there is limited literature examining how race and ethnicity shapes experiences abroad, despite SA research highlighting how identity negotiation influences language learning in the SA context (Kinginger, 2013). This study presents the cases of two U.S. students--an Iranian-American and an African- and Mexican-American--studying in Spain. Through journals, interviews, surveys, and the "Versant for Spanish" oral test, this study illustrates how these participants rejected negative racial and ethnic positionings by withdrawing from host country nationals and eventually re-evaluating experiences to align with their desired identities. Both learners improved their "Versant" post-SA but their linguistic confidence in their Spanish language capabilities did not increase. The study concludes with implications for creating more inclusive and supportive SA programs.
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Study Abroad, College Students, Race, Ethnicity, Asian American Students, African American Students, Hispanic American Students, Mexican Americans, Foreign Countries, Racial Identification, Journal Writing, Interviews, Student Surveys, Language Tests, Oral Language, Spanish, Inclusion, Self Efficacy, Case Studies, Qualitative Research
Frontiers Journal. Dickinson College P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013. Tel: 717-254-8858; Fax: 717-245-1677; Web site: http://www.frontiersjournal.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Spain
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A