Understanding the Challenges: Preventing Factors of TL-Mediated Socializing

As part of the findings from research question (RQ) 2, this chapter explores the factors that hinder international students from fully participating in target language (TL)-mediated socializing during their study abroad experience. These factors are grouped into four categories. First, situational or environmental factors at the host university or in ESL programs, such as a lack of structured opportunities for socializing with local students, frequent separation from peers due to program shifts, and limited extracurricular activities or exchange programs. Second, factors related to others, including the passive engagement or busyness of fellow international students, family circumstances, shy personalities, or unfamiliarity with the participants’ home country. Third, personal factors specific to the international students, such as passiveness in socializing, a tendency to form groups with students from their own country, and challenges stemming from limited English proficiency. Lastly, relationally co-constructed factors, including being the target of romantic interest and discomfort caused by differences in English abilities within social groups. These findings illustrate the complexity of TL-mediated socializing in study abroad contexts. The author also highlights the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students’ socializing and study abroad programs.