ABSTRACT
Studying abroad is of the utmost importance for minor foreign language learners as it allows learners to not only be surrounded by their target language abroad, but also brings in more native speakers of their target language to their home institution. This chapter gives case studies of two kinds of study abroad programs utilized in the Japanese program at UNC Charlotte: receiving study abroad students from Japan and sending American learners to Japan. Section 4.2 illustrates a strategy to provide American learners of Japanese with the opportunity to communicate with Japanese students in their home university by inviting Japanese university students through collaborative short-term visiting programs. American and Japanese learners participating in the program positively communicated with each other outside of classes, influencing American learners to immerse themselves in Japanese society afterwards. Section 4.3 describes why the Japanese program at UNC Charlotte strongly focuses on study abroad programs, and offers procedures to promote study abroad.
