Back to Izmir Schedule

Presenter
Assistant Professor Ching-Yi Tien
Department of Applied English
I-Shou University, Taiwan

Title
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning English abroad

Abstract
With an unexamined notion that the best way to learn English is studying in the English speaking countries, a great number of Taiwanese people are studying abroad every year in America, England, Australia and New Zealand. However, very little research was carried out to prove its effect and impact on students’ learning. For that reason, this study aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of studying English in English speaking countries. In this research, three subjects are chosen based on their prior study abroad experience: one studied in America, another studied in England, and the other studied in Australia. The qualitative research method was adopted; a questionnaire was distributed to these three participants and two in-depth interviews were conducted afterwards. The finding shows that although these participants’ English proficiency improved tremendously, there are some issues need to take into rigorous considerations (e.g. culture shock and identity).