Imagining and experiencing hospitality during study abroad

Prior to study abroad, students have certain imaginings about their stay, and these may contrast with their experiences abroad. This article considers how these imaginings and experiences are linked to various understandings of hospitality, language, and culture. The study is based on qualitative data which is examined through a pragmatic approach, featuring narrative analysis and a critical realist commentary. Findings challenge simplistic understandings of ‘hospitality’ and the ‘guest-host binary’ by suggesting a broader notion of the ‘linguistic host’. This allows an appreciation of how the decisions of a language student shape as well as respond to the host environment.