Beliefs about Language Learning: Students and Their Teachers at Arabic Programs Abroad

Abstract

The U.S. public holds certain beliefs to be self-evident about language learning: To learn a foreign language, one must study abroad. Since World War I and especially after World War II, students of French, German, or Spanish have enrolled in junior year, semester, or summer language programs in Europe. Educators have suggested that by studying the targeted language in an immersion setting, U.S. students gain a higher proficiency than students might acquire with only stateside instruction.