This presentation describes the Study Abroad SIG by the Coordinator and the Treasurer, held by Lyndell Nagashima and Andras Molnar respectively. Lyndell will explain the various SIG functions, the individual officers, and how she offers oversight. Andras will discuss the Treasurer’s role, and how this position supports SIG activities such as the annual conference, publications, and involvement in JALT. Together, we will also discuss our reasons for joining SA SIG, and the different opportunities that have arisen as a result. As a SIG, our members share the same research interest thus making involvement particularly rewarding on multiple levels.
BIOs:
I, Lyndell Nagashima, have been involved in JALT since 2007. This was the first time I attended the JALT conference. I later became more involved through Study Abroad SIG where my research interests lie. After serving as the Social Chair, I became the Coordinator in 2018, and have since learned a great deal from members, events, and leading our capable team of officers. After a second MA, I have continued into a PhD where I hope to understand more about international sojourns and contribute to the academic community in this field.
My name is J. Andras Molnar, the Study Abroad SIG Treasurer. I am working in the Early Childhood Development Department at Kinjo Gakuin University in Nagoya as a full-time (non-tenure) Associate Professor. My students are studying to become future English teachers at the elementary and junior high school level.
I joined the SA SIG to engage in a community of researchers with similar interests. Study abroad has had a huge impact on my like since my first experience as a high school exchange student in Aomori. As a researcher, I am interested in how to maximize the study abroad experience for students by investigating study abroad coping strategies and motivation maintenance.
