Motivation is clearly a critical factor for second language and foreign language learning because it affects students' willingness to approach learning and using English language. Teachers who hope to provide meaningful instruction need to consider how to increase the motivational levels of their students in order to ensure student success in learning. This paper examines what university students studying English as a second language or a foreign language (ESL/EFL) have to say about what does or does not positively affect their motivation to study English language. The ways in which intrinsic and extrinsic motivation affect ESL/EFL learners are explained by examining student surveys and current research. How self-directed or autonomous learning stimulates intrinsic motivation is a major part of the paper, as is how teacher-centered classrooms tend to make ESL students more extrinsically motivated
