Social networks and communities of practice during study abroad: affordances for quality interactions

Purpose:
This study explored the social networks and communities of practice experienced by six Japanese university students on a short-term English language learning study abroad sojourn in Australia. Our aim was to understand the student-appraised quality of the interactions afforded by these networks and communities and to uncover the criteria underpinning their appraisals.

Design:
A longitudinal multiple case study design was used, in which participants were interviewed individually two weeks prior to traveling abroad, and again three weeks and six months after returning home. In the second and third interviews, participants also shared reflections prompted by photo narrative journals that they had compiled.

Findings:
Social networks formed through the host families at times generated learning-focused communities of practice, where the ‘bond’ between interactants was expressed through an atmosphere of support. Specific elements within these communities of practice–relating to people, topics, and atmosphere–were found to have a positive impact on the quality of interactions. The themes that defined quality were increases in linguistic self-confidence, a sense of being able to communicate while receiving support, and a feeling of enjoyment associated with the interaction.

Originality/Value:
These findings underpin our recommendations on preparing students to capitalize on the language-learning affordances of their study abroad experiences. Pre-departure practice discussing potential topics of interest will be valuable, while hosts can be prepared to scaffold the students’ attempts to convey meaning. The importance of a positive atmosphere suggests that explicit training in strategies for conversation management and repair may also be beneficial.