An Evaluation Study of the Summer Language Bursary Program

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a two-year evaluation study of the Summer Language Bursary Program. This six-week immersion program, funded by the Secretary of State (Canada), is designed for post-secondary students wishing to study English or French as a second language. The study examined the program's effects on students at the end of their immersion experience and eight months afterwards. It also investigated the relationship of numerous student and program variables to student performance. The results indicated that students attained the program objectives of improved oral-aural language skills and increased knowledge of the second culture. Attitudes toward the second culture were quite positive at the beginning of the program and remained at this level at the end. Students also demonstrated desirable changes in several other areas; for example, their anxiety about speaking the second language decreased. The follow-up study conducted eight months after the completion of the program indicated that these positive results had been maintained. Program monitors were found to be the most important variable related to student performance. Although the suggestions of the participating groups indicated that there were many areas for improvements, students, instructors and directors were generally very satisfied with the Summer Language Bursary Program.