Providing Study Abroad Advice as a Viable Use of Social Learning Spaces

Abstract

The concept of social language learning spaces at universities is still new, and there are various opinions on what roles teachers should play in these spaces. Many of the students visiting the L-café are interested in studying overseas but lack direction on how to go about it. This chapter describes one English teacher’s developing role as a study abroad advisor for the Okayama University L-café. It describes how, through the use of guiding questions, he has been able to help students sift through the overwhelming number of options and requirements for study abroad in order to help them decide on an ideal program for themselves. Preliminary advice on promoting and supporting study abroad at similar social learning spaces is also provided.