English Language Learners

In this qualitative phenomenological study, the researcher sought to investigate international undergraduate English language learners’ perception of and experiences with language and academic acquisition through online learning. This study was conducted with a selected group of 10 undergraduate international students enrolled in the Liberal Arts program at a private four year college in New York State. The data for this study was collected via: (a) participant screening questionnaire, (b) individual participant interviews, and (c) focus group interview. The researcher transcribed the interviews, analyzed the transcriptions, and coded the data into four related themes: (1) perception of online learning, (2) perception of cultural differences, (3) perception of second language acquisition, and (4) perception of academic content acquisition. The findings of this study indicated that overall, participants’ perceived advantages and disadvantages regarding English as a second language acquisition, academic acquisition, as well as disadvantages associated with cultural differences.