The effects of study abroad on L2 vocabulary development

Abstract

While research on second language (L2) vocabulary development after a study abroad (SA) experience has been largely investigated, findings are still not clear-cut because of the multifaceted nature of vocabulary and the different methodologies used when investigating its growth. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the link between SA and lexical development. A multilevel meta-analysis including 25 studies was conducted to examine the extent to which overall, receptive vocabulary (RV) and productive vocabulary (PV) are impacted by a SA experience. A second objective was to determine whether length of stay (LoS) in the target country has an effect on L2 vocabulary development. Results showed that international stays have a significantly large impact on RV and overall vocabulary and a significantly moderate impact on PV. The analysis also showed that LoS alone cannot be used as a predictor of gains in the students’ L2 vocabulary.