CARLA FELLOW PRESENTATION: The Influence of Program Design on Heritage Speakers’ Study Abroad Experiences

This study compares two case studies of Spanish heritage language learners in study abroad programs. Findings reveal that program design, including host family engagement and community service, significantly influences language use and integration. Prioritizing local community connections can enhance linguistic and cultural outcomes for heritage speakers in study abroad contexts.

Presenter:
Perla Escobar-Faerber is a PhD student in Hispanic Linguistics in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese Studies. Her research interests include applied linguistics and sociolinguistics, focusing on the language practices of heritage Spanish speakers across various domains. She was selected as the CARLA Fellow for 2024–2025.