Open AccessInternational and American Students' Perceptions of Informal English Conversations
Author(s) -
Eun Jeong Lee
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of international students
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.47
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 2166-3750
pISSN - 2162-3104
DOI - 10.32674/jis.v6i1.394
Subject(s) - conversation , friendship , coursework , cultural competence , perception , psychology , pedagogy , study abroad , international education , cultural diversity , intercultural communication , competence (human resources) , social psychology , medical education , higher education , sociology , political science , medicine , communication , neuroscience , anthropology , law
This study investigated international and American students’ perceptions of structured but informal English conversations with each other. American and international students perceived the effects of these conversations differently. While the international students claimed increased linguistic and cultural competence, the Americans identified cultural exchange as the main benefit: they shared their own cultures and experiences and learned more about their conversation partners’ home countries. Both sets of participants associated these benefits with a non-threatening and non-judgmental atmosphere and emphasized the importance of comfort and friendship. Understanding these expectations and assessments can help ESL program administrators design effective informal conversation programs, and help identify opportunities for ESL improvement outside of formal coursework.