Contribution of Participating in an International Service Learning Program to English-majored Students' Proficiency Development

Abstract

This study was conducted in the context of an international service learning (ISL) program in Vietnam to determine the reasons that English-majored students decide to participate in; to investigate the contribution of participating to English-majored students’ proficiency development; and to determine the associated benefits. The study utilized a narrative approach as a qualitative research design to collect data from 6 participants who had participated in the program by using semi-structured interviews. After the procedure of data collection and data analysis, it was indicated that English-majored students could develop their proficiency when participating in an ISL program. The findings illustrated that various factors, including interests for community service and personal growth influenced English-majored students’ decision-making processes in participating in CFC as an ISL program. Regarding the motivation, many participants stated that developing English proficiency was one of their primary reasons for joining the program, especially for those who already possessed a high level of English proficiency. Overall, the findings of this study suggested that participating ISL programs such as CFC offered numerous benefits for English proficiency development. Moreover, participants could gain increased self-awareness, independence, and adaptability, which are valuable qualities for personal and professional growth. Thus, ISL programs like CFC should be considered by English-majored students as a way to develop their English proficiency while also improving personal and professional skills.