It is commonly believed that the most significant factors that affect  the entire process of learning a foreign language involve motivation, anxiety, self-confidence, self-image, inhibition and empathy.  Yet, it is commonly believed and accepted that motivation ranks number one among all the other factors.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs --physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualization -- will constitute the basis of this study. Regardless of the age group, all learners are and should be motivated to move toward the tip of the pyramid which is the stage of self-actualization. These five stages will be applied to the language learning process of young adult learners in a EFL and ESL context.

Motivation is easily lost but very difficult to gain.  The population of this study is comprised of university students who are usually exposed to a foreign language either in their freshman year or, in some cases, when they attend the foundation program. The benefits of learning in a foreign language are numerous, however, keeping the students motivated and helping them maintain positive attitude toward being educated in a foreign language bear utmost significance.  When we find answers to  the reasons why the students that took part in this study are planning on learning the foreign language, what their aspirations are for the future, and the factors that forced them to receive an education in a foreign language, we would contribute to the literature.

This will be a cross cultural study and the population of the study will be students attending universities in Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,  and foreign nationals at American Universities.