The goal of this study is to describe the acquisition rate for gender acquisition in Spanish and to show whether individual variability and language contact may affect this rate. The participants were intermediate second language Spanish (first language English) learners in the study abroad and at-home contexts over a 4-month period. The…

Preparing undergraduates and training faculty to succeed in a global society requires colleges to infuse international and intercultural dimensions into the curriculum. A Title VI grant funded the development and pilot of six Integrated Intensive Courses Abroad (IICA). These courses incorporate discipline-specific content studies with foreign…

The study-abroad trip can contribute vitally to the success of a foreign language program, providing strong motivation for students, cultural awareness for parents and the community, and increased visibility for the foreign language department. (Author)

Presents useful ideas for activities that get students involved, upon arrival abroad, in using their foreign language and in relating to their new cultural environment. A "linguistic scavenger hunt" in Paris, France, helps students gain the confidence they need to maximally benefit from their experience abroad. (Author/DJD)

Describes a 10-week study abroad program in Salzburg, Austria, where students were required to interview native speakers. Students prepared a written protocol of the interview and gave an oral presentation of the results. Out-of-class contact with native speakers, such as the interviews described, has a positive effect on students' self-confidence…

Findings from a study of the experiences of four American students studying in France challenge many common beliefs about the overseas educational experience, and raise questions that hold implications for both study abroad programs and foreign language classrooms. (Author/VWL)

Describes intensive, community-based, experiential foreign language course titled "Spanish in Ohio" implemented to meet needs of nontraditional students bound to campus and unable to participate in study abroad opportunities. The course, offered during the summer at Ohio State University, is conducted entirely in Spanish, requires…

An ethnographic study examined the language development and cultural and academic adjustment of a student in her first semester of a year-long program in Mexico. Data reveal that the most dramatic change in her proficiency came about as she learned the rules, both societal and academic, that allowed her to function within the culture and that…

Describes a study/travel program, offered at Cleveland State University, which combines a quarter-long topical course devoted to the study of a country, followed by a two-week visit to the country. The course is designed to teach both language and culture. (Author/AM)

Presents a survey of 37 1st-year secondary and postsecondary Spanish textbooks for their coverage of the voseo, a frequently used, 2nd person singular form of address. Results indicate that only 16% of the analyzed texts included any reference to the voseo. The article recommends inclusion of the voseo in future Spanish textbooks and in class…

Comparison of language proficiency gains in Russian study abroad in Russia looked at homestay versus dormitory residence. Statistical analysis of the American Council of Teachers of Russian students records database, which contains proficiency data on 2,500 study-abroad participants, was used to compare gains made in speaking, listening, and…

Investigated linguistic and affective outcomes of summer study abroad participation by 25 college French students. Sought to determine if significant changes occurred in two linguistic factors--oral and listening French skills--and two affective factors--integrative motivation and language anxiety after study abroad. (Author/VWL)

This is the introduction to "Strength through Wisdom," the report of the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies. An overview of the commission's findings is presented, along with the commission's principal recommendations and a prospectus for a national commission on foreign language and international…

This report is divided into two sections: (1) an introduction defining support and projections for these languages; and (2) recommendations of the task force concerning curriculum, support for instructional programs, study abroad, teacher training and faculty development, materials development and research, and policy. (AMH)