Abstract

The purpose of this article is to introduce strategies for faculty and students on how to maximize their study abroad experience into learning a foreign language while receiving credit for their academic transcripts.

When students participate in study abroad programs for a short-term period, less than a month, they are likely not aware of their proficiency level nor the tools or strategies to help them broaden their language acquisition. Two evaluation tools students can utilize prior to travel are the Can-Do Statements or The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) developed by The American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These instruments raise students’ understanding related to different proficiency levels -from novice to superior- and make students aware of their proficiency level. With this knowledge, students along with their language professors, can create a practical plan of activities during their study abroad time: from structured learning formats (language courses, language tutor or private lessons) to less formal learning (conversation partners, interactions with the host family or local internships).

Upon their return from their study abroad program, students and professors can again evaluate the proficiency level achieved and continue their language learning. 

“Study Abroad: Augmenting the experience and gaining college credit” New Horizons on Language Learning and Teaching. Cambridge Scholars / ENES UNAM, México. 2021. pp. 91-101.

_{Icons from the Noun Project: Study Abroad by Teewara soontorn}