Speakers
ABSTRACT
English is a global language, making it essential for EFL students to engage with speakers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in order to prepare for a globalized world. To address this need, the National Institute of Technology, Akita College, has incorporated an intercultural exchange program into the English curriculum for first-year students. This event involves over 20 international students from various universities in Akita, who participate in interview sessions with Japanese students about their home countries. Additionally, approximately 150 first-year students at our school deliver poster presentations in English on Japanese culture and interesting travel destinations in Japan.
Feedback from our students indicates that the event provided valuable cultural insights and opportunities for meaningful interaction despite some language challenges. In this presentation, we will outline the structure and dynamics of the program, present findings from student feedback questionnaires, and discuss the limitations and areas for future improvement. We believe this presentation will offer useful insights for English educators on how to systematically and effectively integrate intercultural activities into their courses.
KEYWORDS
Intercultural Exchange, EFL Education, Curriculum
| TITLE | Enhancing EFL Learning Through an Intercultural Exchange Program |
|---|---|
| RELEVANT SIG | Intercultural Communication in Language Education |
| FORMAT | In-person interactive poster session |
