Abstract

This thesis presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the 2006 Arabic study abroad in Amman, Jordan. This analysis aims to help organizers and participants of similar future programs to maximize language gain. The students' pre- and post-program language competencies in reading, speaking, listening, and writing are measured and compared. The students' daily journals during the period of the program are also analyzed. The quantitative analysis shows that statistically significant improvement has occurred in all four language skills. The qualitative analysis suggests that keeping a steady journal, setting daily or weekly language goals, doing volunteer work, having clear and reasonable language learning expectations, understanding the need to get out of one's comfort zone, and being aware of the resources available are the best factors that positively affected the students' language gain. Frustration in terms of not having enough opportunities to practice the language negatively affected the students' language gain.

Degree

College and Department

Humanities; Center for Language Studies

Rights

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