Study abroad has been considered a popular method by different institutes in higher education to develop students’ intercultural communication competence (ICC). Various studies suggested many positive outcomes including the gain of linguistics awareness (Brown, 2009), intercultural knowledge (Czerwionka et al., 2015); intercultural sensitivity (Anderson et al., 2006) and intercultural adaptation and adjustment (Young & Schartner, 2014). While previous literature drew on data from the American and European settings, and mostly examined the effects of long-term study tours on participants, the current study investigates the impacts of short-term study tours on five Hong Kong students’ ICC development, in particular, their attitude change towards the host language - English. Findings from the pre-trip and post-trip interviews suggested a shift in tour participants’ attitude from a grammar focal view towards a communication competence perception on the dynamic usage of the language. Because of cultural and historical educational background of the students, this renewed perception of language also prompts a reflection on their language and cultural identity. The results indicate that short-term study tours can be an effective tool for stimulating participants’ awareness on their attitude towards language acquisition, removing the barrier of having native fluency and cultivating participants’ critical awareness in their cultural identity when they are guided for a mindful reflection.

Authors:
Ka-ling Chan, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Ka-ling Chan is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Hong Kong Community College, Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong

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