Challenges and Obstacles in Learning English as a Second Language Among MCU Buddhist Students

Abstract

     In the Kingdom of Thailand, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, The Kingdom of Cambodia, and Lao People's Democratic Republic, monk education plays a vital role. Monks' ESL education is critical for the continuation of Buddha's teachings and the monks themselves. The purpose of this study were (1) to identify the primary cause of challenges encountered when learning English as a second language among MCU Buddhist student monks, (2) to determine whether the places of study and language exposure have a substantial effect on the acquisition of English as a second language, and (3) to find out remedies of the challenges that are associated with the acquisition of English as a second language. This study used a random sample of 50 monks' ESL students. Data were collected via a questionnaire, and to interpret the results mixed method was employed. The findings established that ESL instruction is critical for monks' future communication. Students had numerous hurdles and difficulties while pursuing ESL learning, therefore, many recommendations were given to enhance monks' ESL learning.