Given waning second language (L2) enrollments in K-16 contexts, L2 programs must strive to understand their learners, as changes in their sociocultural environment can impact students' attitudes and, subsequently, their desire and ability to learn an L2. Thus, the authors conducted a two-wave analysis of 68 first-year L2 students' attitudes,…

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…

The author describes a trip taken by high school French students to French Louisiana--preparations, fund-raising, travel and sightseeing. (CHK)

Describes student tours to the Soviet Union, discussing the benefits to be derived from such experiences by both students and leaders. In particular, discusses the organization of the tours, their types and costs, advertising strategies, suggested itineraries and guidebooks, student orientation and group composition, and problems encountered…

This article suggests seven steps for novice proposal writers, provides the names of agencies and addresses of potential funding sources, presents examples of successful proposals written by foreign language teachers, and encourages all teachers who want new materials, equipment, programs, resources, and study or travel funds to make the necessary…

Describes the Interactive Tour Schema, a course modeled on the relationship between a guide and the tourists who make use of his or her services. The structure of the course requires excursions away from the classroom and to various campus and off-campus locations where tours are given by student tour guides. (SED)

A one-week Elderhostel course in survival Spanish focused on introducing students to the basic sound system and enough basic structure and vocabulary items to enjoy travel. Experiences with material selection and student receptiveness are outlined. (MSE)

College students taking French at a small Midwestern college lived for 3 weeks with French-speaking Canadian families. The nucleus of the student experience was the opportunity to assist teachers in a bilingual elementary school. (Author/SW)

This study investigates the initial motivation of learners of Arabic as a foreign language (AFL). One hundred and twenty students enrolled in first-year and second-year AFL classes participated in this study. The participants were classified into two major groups of learners according to their heritage background: The first group consisted of…

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)

Surveyed students at Arizona State University to find out why they had chosen to study French, whether they planned to continue studying French, and what courses they would like to see offered. Responses indicated that the students plan to visit France or a French-speaking country, that they are interested in gaining fluency in French, and that…