This volume is a first-time series of studies which explore the relationship between language learning and the study abroad experience. The twelve individual papers, utilizing different research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, descriptive), address various aspects of second language learning, including the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence, the acquisition of fluency, the use of communicative strategies and the development of oral and written skills. The studies are cross-linguistic and deal with student populations at the secondary and college levels who had spent between three months and one year in study abroad or exchange programs in Japan, Russia, Spain, Mexico, France or Canada.