A study of the status of study abroad for students of 49 institutions in West Germany, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States examined trends toward or away from study abroad, program organization and objectives, credits awarded, program costs, and student characteristics. (MSE)

This study of three female preservice teachers who took part in a practicum teaching experience in Mexico focused on what the students learned, how they met the challenges of the experience, and how the experience affected their personal and professional lives later. This qualitative study used interviews with each student and observation field…

Describes an introspective study of four advanced learners of German under conditions of initial extensive exposure to the second language community. It is suggested that introspective techniques can profitably be employed with the advanced learner. (49 references) (CB)

Some ways to improve language education and second language competence in an international society and to promote foreign language study are suggested: Realistic achievement goals; efficient and flexible instruction; instruction in pedagogical methods; interdepartmental cooperation; cooperation with bilingual education programs; promoting study…

Examines the impact on the second language skills of advanced high school Spanish students of Indiana University's 20-year-old intensive program abroad. Evidence indicates that resulting language skills exceeded those which might be expected in one full year of high school language instruction. (EKN)

Offers guidelines on the development of nontraditional study abroad programs (i.e., those open to sophomores and seniors as well as juniors and to students without foreign language proficiency). Discusses program promotion, and student recruitment, selection, orientation, and reentry to the U.S. Stresses the need for a full-time program director.…

In today's global village, the choice of languages and cultures offered to the high school and college student in constantly increasing. Several reasons are offered for choosing the more traditional option of French/Francophone culture: internationalism, political contributions, intellectual achievements, France's role in Europe and in technology,…

Several surveys were made of Japanese teenagers who were exchange students in the United States between 1975 and 1977. Three of the questionnaires are analyzed to get an idea of the problems the students had with English and the state of English teaching in Japan. Thirty-one male and female high school students were involved in the study. The…

Describes the participation of five Pennsylvania colleges in a summer study program at the Akademie Neiderberg in Bonn, West Germany. The program offers an integrated approach to language instruction and cultural studies that is tailored to fit the specific needs and preparation of its participants. (CB)

Study abroad programs in Paris and the French provinces offer a variety of opportunities for study by both language and nonlanguage majors, and for faculty directing programs. Courses have varying structures, objectives, and costs, but continue to be generally popular. (MSE)

This report states the belief of the Task Force that study of the less commonly taught languages is in the national interest and that the study of any foreign language is valuable. Recommendations are given for improving and increasing the study of "strategic" or "critical" languages. (CFM)

A longitudinal study of four West German university students during their six-month stay at a university in Great Britain found that their oral English-as-a-Second-Language performance improved under initial exposure to the English-speaking community, with the motor for linguistic performance appearing to be learner experimentation in production.…

Discusses the development of a foreign language (Spanish) test battery that was designed for two purposes: to place students in study-abroad programs appropriate to their language ability and to provide information on designing useful instruction for prospective study-abroad students. Results are presented into task and rater variability in the…

The predicament of foreign languages in a liberal arts setting is addressed. It is suggested that bilingual language competency cannot be realized without an extraordinary increase in foreign language instruction and second-culture instruction: an extra year of undergraduate study combined with study abroad. (32 references) (LB)

Describes the experiences of 19 Japanese high school students in a Canadian homestay program. Interviews conducted during the academic year and when students returned to Japan indicated that though students made significant gains in English proficiency, many were dissatisfied with the organization of the homestays and the breakdown of…