International Student Exchange Influence on an Indonesian EFL Student’s Speaking Confidence

This autoethnographic study explores how participation in an international student exchange program in the Philippines influenced an Indonesian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) student’s confidence in speaking English. Drawing from the first author’s personal experiences during a semester at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, the study reflects on the emotional, social, and academic challenges encountered, and the growth that resulted from immersion in an English-speaking environment. Through systematic self-reflection and narrative inquiry, the research reveals that supportive intercultural interactions, exposure to authentic language use, and constructive feedback from mentors played a significant role in enhancing the author’s communicative confidence. The findings highlight the transformative potential of international exchange programs in fostering self-efficacy and language development among EFL learners.