INVESTIGATING ENGLISH LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF STUDENTS DURING EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Abstract

This study investigates the learning experiences of English Education students from Muhammadiyah University Muara Bungo who participated in the Merdeka Student Exchange Program (PMM) at Muhammadiyah University Sorong. This study aims to explore how students' experiences in learning English during the exchange program. Qualitative methods and a phenomenological approach were used, with data collected through semi-structured interviews involving two participants from the English Education program. These interviews were guided by learning theories, with thematic data analysis conducted using NVivo software. The results of the study show that students' learning experiences vary greatly, with active involvement in the use of digital learning tools such as Duolingo, multimedia resources (videos, films, PowerPoint), and collaborative group discussions. In addition, students also utilized online resources, such as articles and social media, to deepen their understanding of the language. This study concluded that the combination of digital technology and interaction with peers significantly improved English language skills. This study is expected to provide valuable insights for students who wish to participate in exchange programs in the future and contribute to the development of effective English language learning methods in educational settings.