The Impact of Short-term Overseas Training on Young Adult Learners’ English Achievement: A Case Study of Participants of the City Gyeonggi Youth Ladder Program

In today's globalized society, English serves as a key medium for international communication and is considered an essential competency, particularly for adult learners seeking to expand their opportunities in employment, education, immigration, and more. As a result, Short-Term Study Abroad (STSA) programs have gained attention as an effective means of improving English proficiency by providing immersive language experiences in real-world contexts. While prior research has shown that such programs can enhance learners’ motivation and practical language skills, empirical studies focusing on adult learners in short-term programs remain limited in South Korea. This study investigates the impact of a short-term English study abroad program on adult learners’ language skills—specifically speaking, listening, and vocabulary—through the “Gyeonggi Youth Ladder Program” operated by City A in Gyeonggi Province. By evaluating changes in key language competencies, the study aims to assess the effectiveness of this government-supported initiative and provide evidence-based insights for the future design and implementation of similar language training programs. The findings offer meaningful implications for English education policy and the development of more effective language acquisition strategies for adult learners.