Motivational factors and cultural impact of language immersion programmes: Perspectives from the University of Ghana

Abstract

Language immersion programmes have been crucial to the curriculum of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Ghana, allowing students to spend an academic year in countries where target languages are spoken. This research investigates the motivational factors driving student participation and the impact on cultural understanding. Through the use of a survey involving semi-structured questionnaires, it examines the experiences of students in the Spanish Section over the past nine years. Findings show that language immersion programmes enhance cultural understanding and that students are motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The study also reveals that language learners from the research setting encounter certain challenges such as financial constraints, adaptation difficulties, and culture shocks that need to be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of these programmes. These insights highlight the need to reassess and expand language immersion opportunities for students at the University of Ghana.