ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the upward trend in mobility figures in contemporary society in general, only paralleled by the interest in exploring Study Abroad (SA) effects within second language acquisition (SLA) research. The chapter focuses on the main issues that are currently investigated within the SA field of enquiry, and their relevance for the study of instructed SLA (ISLA). It describes three main questions that have inspired research on the linguistic and nonlinguistic effects of SA over the years, and discusses them in relation to formal instruction (FI), that is, conventional language lessons taught within an educational institution. First, whether the common belief in the more positive effects of SA versus at-home FI is anything other than a myth. Second, if it is not, whether benefits accrue to the same extent for all SA students alike, and for all abilities. Third, in case those benefits do accrue, on what SLA theoretical grounds can they be explained.
