In the context of learning a second language, the passing on of cultural information as a means to further the development of intercultural competences is primarily viewed as being unidirectional--the "native-speaking culture" passing on information to the language learning student. However, in EFL (English as a foreign language)…

Providing learners of a foreign language with meaningful opportunities for interactions, specifically with native speakers, is especially challenging for instructors. One way to overcome this obstacle is through video-synchronous computer-mediated communication tools such as Skype software. This study reports quantitative and qualitative data from…

This article presents the long-term impacts of brief bilingual (English/French) exchanges as identified by past exchange participants through questionnaire and interview responses. The findings indicate that former exchange participants (a) have confidence in their language abilities, (b) continue to use their second language, (c) choose leisure…

Describes teacher exchange opportunities through the U.S. Office of Education. (CLK)

The monotony of unvarying schedules occurs in secondary schools and higher education. This article concerns an effort to modify the classroom situation temporarily through a teacher exchange experiment between a university methods instructor and a high school French teacher. (Author/SW)

Presents the benefits and problems of an unusual exchange program involving graduate teaching assistants from Auburn University (Alabama) and prospective teachers from the Ecole Normale (Caen, France). Through journal entries, the students related their problems with living arrangements, differences in teaching methods, and their increased…

Examines diaries kept by 18 anglophone high-school students of French while they spent 3 months in Quebec as part of an exchange program. Research focused on insights into language-learning process provided by student diarists; affective factors in language learning; extralinguistic benefits of exchange; and ways in which the diaries supplement…

Although the "homestay" has long been considered a key factor in the study abroad experience, it is one of the least examined components of foreign study. In an effort to explore this issue from various perspectives, this study targeted several programs in Spain and Mexico with interviews of host families, students, and housing directors. Each…

This study examines various features of foreign language program offerings at 220 public high schools in California. Foreign language program features were examined in relation to the school's Academic Performance Index (API), the school's socioeconomic status (percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch), and percentage of…

Describes a study conducted at Weston (Connecticut) High School of the language skills and attitude changes of a group of students participating in an overseas study program. The goals of the program were to increase participants' understanding and appreciation of another culture, and to provide stimulus for language learning. (Author/CLK)