A Critical Review of Research on Language Learning Abroad: Its Themes and Methods

This study investigates how the previous research on study abroad has developed over the past two decades. Reflecting the predominant interest in second language acquisition, the previous research on study abroad has focused on what is acquired by the learners. However, the focus has recently expanded from language acquisition to identity and language socialization in study abroad. Despite the assumption that study abroad experiences can lead to second language development, the results of previous research have not been consistently positive. These inconsistent results are attributed to various critical factors that affect achievement outcomes. Furthermore, some outcome measurement instruments were not reliable and had several problems. Therefore, this study reviews previous research on language learning abroad, by analyzing the research themes, methods, measurement instruments, and findings. Five main themes emerged are: (I) research on language acquisition in study abroad; (2) research on measurements of language gains in study abroad; (3) research on grammatical and pragmatic competence in language learning abroad; (4) research on the communicative settings in language learning abroad; and (5) research on identity and language socialization in study abroad. Results of the critical review provide some pedagogical and methodological implications for further research on Korean learners of English studying abroad.