What difference does it make?

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianna Hessel ◽  
Robert Vanderplank
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Exchange Students ◽  
Advanced Level ◽  
Studying Abroad ◽  
Linguistic Proficiency ◽  
At Home

Abstract Direct effects of participation in study abroad on linguistic proficiency have been notoriously difficult to differentiate from mere participant, time and study effects. This study examines English proficiency gains among 136 advanced-level German university students who applied for an ERASMUS exchange and either studied at a British university or continued to study at home. Participants completed C-tests of English language proficiency and comprehensive questionnaires at baseline, after three and nine months. After the first three months, those studying abroad had made significantly higher proficiency gains than the ERASMUS applicants who continued to study at home. During the subsequent six months, linguistic progress among the study abroad participants slowed and between-group differences were no longer significant. The results further substantiate hypotheses on significant linguistic benefits of participation in study abroad for advanced L2 learners, while also highlighting the need to facilitate sustained linguistic progress among exchange students, particularly during more extended stays.

scholarly journals English Language Learning of Indonesian Students during Study Abroad Program in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-40
Author(s):  
Sabaruddin Sabaruddin
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Identity Transformation ◽  
Cultural Learning ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Study Overseas ◽  
Study Abroad Program

This article discusses how the transformation of identity and cultural learning influence the English language learning of Indonesian students during their study program. This article is divided into three different sections of discussions in order to elaborate this issue comprehensively. Firstly, the identity change during the study abroad program is discussed by utilising the concept of identity. Subsequently, the process of identity transformation of Indonesian students during their study abroad is further elaborated through the identity movement theory. Secondly, the process of cultural learning during study abroad program is explained regarding English language learning of Indonesian students. Thirdly, how the students’ identity transformation and cultural learning impact on English language learning is also be analysed. In conclusion, the role of identity transformation and intercultural learning is significant in the enhancement of English language proficiency of the students during the study overseas program. Furthermore, the process of English language learning transforms the students’ identities through the students’ engagement in the new sociocultural condition. The transformation of students’ identity occurs in three steps of identity movement which are molar, molecular and line of flight identity. The transformation also lies in intercultural learning which later develops the students’ intercultural awareness and understanding. That is to say, study overseas can transform the students’ identity and facilitate cultural learning in which both are beneficial in enhancing the English language proficiency of the student. Besides that, study abroad program also constructs difference between individuals who pursue study overseas and who do not.

scholarly journals Study Abroad in Sweden: Japanese Exchange Students’ Perspectives of Language Use in University EMI Courses

Languages ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Aki Siegel
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Focus Group Interview ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Exchange Students ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Rate Of Speech

With the availability of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) courses, an increasing number of international students have been joining Swedish universities. However, the language use in Swedish EMI courses may display unique features; while many Swedish students have high English language proficiency, code-switching between Swedish and English is reported as a common practice by both lecturers and students, even when international students are present. Moreover, the term “international students” is often used to include students of various statuses and linguistic abilities, and the experiences and perspectives of short-term exchange students towards the language use in Swedish EMI courses are rarely documented. The current study investigates the perspectives of short-term exchange students from Japan enrolled in EMI courses at a university in Sweden. Questionnaire and focus group interview confirmed previous studies regarding the language-use practices in the classrooms. Moreover, the rate of speech, turn-taking, and background knowledge were found to hinder the learning and participation of the exchange students. The findings suggest the need to raise awareness of the language practices in Swedish EMI courses to students, lecturers, and other universities in order to support the learning experience of short-term exchange students.

The Persian Paradox: Language use and maintenance among Iranian Americans

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 (237) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Bozorgmehr ◽  
Maryam Moeini Meybodi
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Iranian Americans ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Persian Language ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
At Home

AbstractAs a relatively new, highly educated, professional and entrepreneurial immigrant group, Iranian Americans display complex linguistic patterns. In this article, we analyze data from the American Community Survey (ACS) on English language proficiency and languages spoken at home for the first- and second-generation Iranian Americans. These quantitative data are supplemented by in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of Iranian American families in the northeastern United States on their behavior and attitudes toward learning and preserving their native language (Persian). Although ACS data show high English language proficiency among first-generation Iranian immigrants, they also show a relatively high usage of Persian language among this ethnic group. Findings show that parents and children had positive behavior and attitudes toward the preservation of Persian. As transnational families, parents have created a “tool kit” to ensure that Persian will persist at least through the second generation. Maintaining transnational ties, attending weekly cultural and religious events, providing Persian instruction, and controlling children’s language use at home were among the most important mechanisms of ethnic language maintenance.

Framing Syllabi For Developing English Language Proficiency Bridging Gaps In English Teaching At The Tertiary Level

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
C. MONSINGH DANIEL
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Career Advancement ◽  
English Language ◽  
Global Market ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
English Teaching

The English Language holds primacy in several levels of employment. This has drawn appeal towards the language as a valuable tool towards having an edge in ones skill set. Capitalizing on the image that English builds for ones employability and career advancement has become a trend set by employer and employee alike. It does indeed have its appeal in a global market, but its demand is due to the inability of educational institutions to provide verifiable and considerable output in students who are proficient in the English Language. Therefore the search for candidates with quality English skills is rather sparse in number. Attempts are of course made by academicians to change this reality but not to the level of a massive turnabout.

A study of Importance of English Language Proficiency in Hospitality Industry and the Role of Hospitality Educators in Enhancing the Same Amongst The Students

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arati Prabhu ◽  
Prachi Wani
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Hotel Management ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Teaching Learning

The study is undertaken to understand the importance of English language skills in the Indian hospitality industry, and the gaps therein. It studies the challenge as it exists in Pune city, and how AISSMS College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology has attempted to address the issue(s). The study aims at gathering primary information by means of questionnaires. It sheds light on the gap between existing and desired standards of English proficiency. It also highlights the attempts by the three important stakeholders in order to address the issue. Though, attempts are made from the industry, teachers and students, it is recognized that joint efforts need to be made to tackle the problem collectively and from all sides. It is an urgent calling for innovative teaching learning practices and encouraging sound develop initiatives and commitment. The primary data is across the cross section of Pune hoteliers, teachers and students of the college. The findings reflect the importance of English as the universal medium of communication, and its importance in rendering quality service and importantly.

Fri0611 english language proficiency and total knee/hip replacement outcomes: is there a relationship?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Mehta ◽  
J. Szymonifka ◽  
S. A. Dey ◽  
I. Y. Navarro-Millan ◽  
S. V. Grassia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Hip Replacement ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Total Knee
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