THE POSSIBILITIES OF A TEACHING INTERNSHIP IN DEVELOPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING SKILLS

Abstract

This study is based on theoretical and practical aspects of an abroad internship and presents a qualitative (to observe scholars’ views on different university activities; informally interview scholars; open-ended questions about scholars’ adjustment experiences and social support from the host university) investigation. This study aims to explore the problems and challenges of an internship abroad and identify opportunities for learning at a host university. This investigation considers interpersonal challenges as academic issues (learning the university style, requirements, schedule, and structure); language (communication with native speakers in different social places and academic communities); and culture (living style, housing, expenses). This paper examines the experience of 11 scholars from different universities in Kazakhstan. The research was conducted through an online survey instrument Google Forms because it is commonly used in academic research in all Kazakhstan universities. There are 20 closed-ended questions with “yes”, “no' ' or other short reply to responses about their experiences during the internship.