FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMPROVEMENT OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR STUDENTS MAJORING IN TOURISM AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY

Abstract

It is widely recognized that English speaking in the tourism is play vital role in many students who learn English, especially English for specific purpose (ESP). In contrast, helping students has more good language skills and is able to apply English speaking in tourism seem to be restriction in large numbers of researchers. The present paper provides the factors that affect English proficiency improvement for tourism students basing on learning motivation, environment and strategies, teaching methods, student confidence and attitude, practical experiences. These elements present the important agents and emphasize on how language skills have significance of English proficiency in English for tourism (EFT)student communicative competence in tourism industry. The primary data were collected through an online survey with 125 students majoring in Tourism who had previously participated in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses at Can Tho University. The results reveal that Attitude Toward Learning is the most significant factor, with a strong influence on student’s intentions to persist in their using English. These findings underline the importance of not only enhancing students' cognitive skills and learning strategies but also fostering a positive attitude and intrinsic motivation towards language learning.