Presentation Schedule
Immersive or Non-Immersive? The Role of Language in Short-Term Study Abroad Programs (109192)
Session Chair: Kumiko Tsuji
Thursday, 18 June 2026 10:45
Session: Session 1
Room: Room 114 (1F)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
Short-term faculty-led study abroad programs have expanded rapidly across U.S. higher education in recent years, particularly those that do not require prior knowledge of the host country’s language or culture. These non-language and non-culture-immersive models reduce linguistic and cultural barriers, thereby increasing accessibility and attracting a broader range of participants. At the same time, there is a growing tendency to reduce or eliminate language- and culture-immersion programs, often citing lower enrollment and resource constraints. This shift raises important questions about the potential loss of educational and intercultural value when immersive, language-based programs are discontinued. This session examines the importance of preserving language- and culture-immersion programs by presenting data that demonstrate how meaningful language engagement fosters students’ intercultural competence, global awareness, and empathy. The evidence includes survey results and qualitative reflections collected over several years from participants in a language- and culture-immersion program in Japan. The findings indicate that meaningful language engagement enhances students’ intercultural competence, global awareness, and empathy in ways that non-language and non-culture immersion programs cannot fully replicate. While both immersive and non-immersive programs positively influence student development, the results suggest that language- and culture-immersion programs foster distinctive and irreplaceable learning outcomes. The presentation highlights evidence-based advantages of language immersion, including increased cultural sensitivity, greater confidence in cross-cultural communication, and deeper reflective learning. The session concludes by emphasizing why higher education institutions should continue to invest in language- and culture-immersion programs as essential components of holistic global education.
Authors:
Kumiko Tsuji, Northeastern University, United States
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Kumiko Tsuji is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Northeastern University in United States
See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule
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