EFL Students Journey in Non-English Speaking Country: A Case Study of International Credit Transfer Program in Taiwan

Abstract

In implementing strategies to enhance English proficiency through the international student exchange program, students are surrounded by the target language in various settings, including the school environment and daily activities. This approach emphasizes using the target language as the primary means of communication, with little or no use of the native language. The continuous language exposure students receive through assignments, activities, and various extracurricular events tends to be more successful due to active engagement from each student. This research aims to explore EFL students' experiences and perceptions while studying in a non-English speaking country when participating in the international credit transfer program in Taiwan, along with the benefits and obstacles encountered. In the process of data collecting, the researcher used semi-structured interviews with participants' experiences tailored to the writer's intent and purpose in conducting research. For data analysis, the researcher used thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicate that EFL students face challenges upon their initial arrival in Taiwan due to cultural differences that affect the English pronunciation accent. However, the foreign environment around them serves as a supportive factor that motivates EFL students to improve their English language skills. This study also shows that the three EFL students experienced an improvement in their English language proficiency after participating in the international credit transfer program for one semester in Taiwan. Based on the findings, it is expected to provide valuable insights for educational institutions and language instructors in designing programs to enhance English language proficiency. Additionally, this research can be an important consideration for students in choosing and participating in similar programs, allowing them to maximize the benefits of learning English in non-English speaking countries. Furthermore, different research methods can be utilized to gain more detailed insights into the benefits of learning English in non-English speaking country by measuring the specific levels of English language proficiency development for future research.

Key words: EFL Students, Non-English Speaking Country, Foreign Environment