This study explores the use of maps as a tool to build a sense of interest and imagined connections with English speaking countries. It examines student perceptions of map usage within English as a Foreign Language(EFL) university classes. By utilizing a Map Perception Questionnaire (MPQ), the study examines perceptions across a range of nodes related to perceived interest, enjoyment, learning and inspiration derived from interactions with maps of various scales. The rationale behind the study is to investigate levels of engagement with the mapping medium from the undergraduate EFL student perspective. The MPQ was administered at a median program waypoint after eight of fifteen lessons had occurred across five separate class groups. All of the aforementioned lessons incorporated map questions and related materials. Results of the study demonstrate a significantly positive response amongst the students to map related activities, and further, that maps generally serve as an inspirational trigger related to travel or experiencing cultures in English-speaking countries. The paper illustrates that maps can be impactful tools in sparking geographical imagination within EFL learners.journal articl
