Abstract
A language learner gains a unique experience through studying abroad. They learn to process a new culture and values in their new language, but they still carry their native language and value system in the background. Most attempts to describe the experience of living abroad only use one language with occasional words from the second language sprinkled in. However, using both languages in one essay gives a vivid understanding of what it feels like to constantly switch between two languages, creating a kairotic environment for other bilingual students studying another language to remember their own experiences of studying abroad. For my Honors project, I wrote bilingual essays in order to relate my experience of living abroad in Arequipa, Peru in 2019 for other students studying English and Spanish collectively and, specifically, those who will study abroad in the future.
Included in
BILINGUAL ESSAYS | ENSAYOS BILINGÜES
A language learner gains a unique experience through studying abroad. They learn to process a new culture and values in their new language, but they still carry their native language and value system in the background. Most attempts to describe the experience of living abroad only use one language with occasional words from the second language sprinkled in. However, using both languages in one essay gives a vivid understanding of what it feels like to constantly switch between two languages, creating a kairotic environment for other bilingual students studying another language to remember their own experiences of studying abroad. For my Honors project, I wrote bilingual essays in order to relate my experience of living abroad in Arequipa, Peru in 2019 for other students studying English and Spanish collectively and, specifically, those who will study abroad in the future.