| Abstract | We present the 2026 SMILE Project between Chuo iTL (Japan) and KMITL (Thailand). We conducted three English-mediated online language–cultural exchange classes on November 13th, 20th, and 27th involving students from Chuo iTL and from KMITL. In addition to a general description of the project design and tasks, our presentation focuses on changes in students’ foreign language anxiety and motivation toward English, based on pre–post questionnaires. Quantitative analyses showed stable overall scale means, but an exploratory item-level signal suggested improved speaking-related confidence, and we also observed a notable difference between the two universities in anxiety levels. To interpret these patterns and refine future implementation, we will incorporate follow-up focus group interviews to examine learners’ experiences and perceived mechanisms (e.g., interaction quality, partner dynamics, and anxiety triggers). |
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