Changing perceptions of English among Japanese teachers in Brussels

Abstract Study abroad (SA) is regarded as a successful way to develop learners’ English skills and intercultural understanding, has also been incorporated into teacher training programs. Against this backdrop, ELF (English lingua franca)-oriented research which investigates Japanese pre-service practicing teachers’ evolving views of propelled by their SA experiences started appear. This study, set in nihonjingakkō Brussels, sought contribute area examining the principal perception its influence on pedagogy school’s education policy. Nihonjingakkō full-time day school for children expatriates, teachers are sent from government Japan, teach at appointed schools several years, subsequently return work Japan. The article demonstrates that while language appreciated diversity English, policy classroom teaching were shaped native-speakerism ideology traditional assumptions Standard only recognized variety. Based study’s findings, I make suggestions can advance integration ELT mainstream