ABSTRACT

Spanish heritage speakers (SHS) who participate in study abroad (SA) in their family’s country of origin or in another Spanish-speaking country not only have the opportunity to take coursework in Spanish, but also to interact in Spanish on a daily basis outside of the classroom for a variety of purposes such as buying a bus ticket, inviting someone to a party, watching the nightly news, or asking for directions on the street. As a result of immersion in a society in which Spanish is the primary language, SHS students can develop their communicative competence as well as their metalinguistic and sociolinguistic awareness in Spanish and deepen their cultural knowledge of the host country. SA can also have implications for SHS’ personal relationships and identity development. For some, extended residence in the ancestral homeland may strengthen ties with relatives who live in that country. For others, returning from SA with increased Spanish proficiency may facilitate communication with family members at home. While abroad, students may develop local social networks, forging meaningful and lasting relationships with members of the host country. Finally, a sojourn abroad can inspire students to reconnect with their heritage and explore their own identities.