Presents the results of an evaluation of the effect of short interethnic exchange programs on attitudes and motivations linked to second language learning. Analyzes the results obtained in three experiments, showing that the attitudinal/motivational variables are positively influenced by this type of exchange. (Author/MES)

The American Field Service (AFS) Impact Study has documented that adolescents in AFS programs show greater increases in learning and competence than could be expected through the normal maturing process. Research findings on how people learn and under what circumstances explain why an AFS experience accelerates learning. For example, it is known…