Paper Title
REORIENTING ENGLISH STUDY ABROAD AFTER COVID-19

Abstract
Abstract - Study abroad programs have long been an important part of the curriculum of Momoyama Gakuin University. From the second semester of 2022 and into 2023 as the travel restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted, we have been able to begin sending students abroad again. While numbers of students studying abroad have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, many students are eager to take the opportunity to improve their second language ability while gaining experience living in different cultures and environments. We have also had to rethink our approach to study abroad. During the pandemic many of our previous partners have changed or cancelled their English language programs. Also, inflation, exchange rate fluctuation, and other instability have made some destinations less accessible than in the past. So, as we restart study abroad, we have prepared new partnerships and destinations, mainly in the Asia region. Being able to provide a wider range of intercultural experiences, shorter travel times and comparatively lower costs are obvious benefits. However, the long established paradigm of Japanese preferring to study English in so called “Inner Circle” countries is a possible impediment to the success of our new programs. In order to gain some hints for successful promotion and implementation of our new English study abroad program in Asia,this presentation reviews some research on Japanese English learners’ perceptions regarding studying English in Outer Circle and Expanding Circle countries in Asia.