The development of intercultural awareness and changes of beliefs: the effects of studying abroad on learners of English as a second language

Merino Jular, María Elena

The development of intercultural awareness and changes of beliefs: the effects of studying abroad on learners of English as a second language

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Citation

Merino Jular, M. The development of intercultural awareness and changes of beliefs: the effects of studying abroad on learners of English as a second language. 2007. handle: http://hdl.handle.net/2072/8977

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Abstract

The present study examines the development of interculturality and changes of beliefs, by analyzing 106 compositions produced by 53 advanced level university students of translation studies at a university in Spain before and shortly after a stay-abroad (SA) period. The study draws on data collected at two different times: before (T1) and after the SA (T3). In addition, we compared the results with the writings produced by a control group of 10 native English speakers on SA too. Data were collected by means of a composition which tried to elicit the learners’ opinion about cultural habits maintenance. The results reveal significant changes between T1 and T3 in the degree of better attitudes and intercultural acquisition.