The Effectiveness of Study-Abroad on Second Language Learning: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This study synthesizes the methods and findings of published research investigating second language (L2) learners’ linguistic development in study-abroad (SA) contexts. Some studies have demonstrated that SA participation is beneficial to learners’ L2 development, whereas others have not supported such a relationship. The first phase of this meta-analysis analyzed the methodological features of 66 studies, while the second synthesized 11 quantitative studies comparing L2 linguistic gains between SA and at home (AH) learners. Results from the comparisons indicate that SA learners outperform AH learners and that short-term SA is more effective than long-term SA in terms of L2 linguistic development. Along with outlining potential concerns about conducting meta-analyses on SA research, I conclude this article with suggestions for future research directions.