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i-Speak: investigating multilingual digital interactions in study abroad contexts

  • Dates: 2024–ongoing
  • Funding body: University of Leeds
  • Value: 4000
  • Primary investigator: Clare Wright
  • Co-investigators: Dr Zoe Handley
  • Language at Leeds satellites: Language Development & Cognition; Centre for Excellence in Language Teaching (CELT); Embracing Linguistic Diversity
  • Language at Leeds themes: Language and cognition; Language learning and teaching

      • Our study aims to fundamentally rethink the value of social interaction for successful international study, in the new “always connected” globalised UK higher educational context. Our investigation uses a specially-designed experience sampling app to gather live-time data to reveal digital interaction patterns by international PGT students in the UK. We use these data alongside surveys and focus-group data to investigate impact of different levels of interaction on English language proficiency and academic attainment. Our findings add to current debates over how to enable international postgraduate students to thrive in terms of linguistic, academic and social experiences during study abroad.