An investigation into the effects of a short-term intensive study abroad TESOL program into L2 anxiety, international posture, and L2 willingness to communicate

This study investigates the effects of short-term study abroad on affective changes for Second-Language English (SLE) research students participating in a five-week intensive TESOL certificate program in Australia. Changes in individual differences among the participants, including anxiety in using a second language, willingness to communicate (WTC) in a foreign language, and international posture are examined. A pre-departure questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate whether changes occurred during the course and the reasons for these changes. In particular, the individual differences of L2 Anxiety, WTC, and international posture were observed. This study partially replicates Lee (2018), who found a significant increase in WTC and international posture and a decrease in L2 anxiety during short-term study abroad programs. These findings are qualitatively re-examined to ascertain the factors that most influence these changes. These include a supportive learning environment and immersion in an unfamiliar culture.