One part that can indicate the successful or unsuccessful learning of foreign language is students’ attitude towards the language. Therefore, this research aims to portray the students’ attitude towards English, and how they apply their attitude in their daily life.
Related to the purpose of the study, the researcher used mixed method design. Sample of this research is the third semester students of English Department of Mulawarman University Samarinda in academic year 2016/2017. The total number of sample is 38 students. Collecting data is done through five-point Likert scale questionnaire survey. Furthermore, to gain better understanding to the object, the researcher applies a semi structure interview to some selected participants.
The result of the study shows that the students tend to have positive attitude towards English. They know the importance of English nowdays, and intend to practice English well and correctly. However, in their daily life they tend to do opposite of the attitude. They rarely practice four English skills- speaking, listening, reading and writing, outside the campus. Moreover, they seldom use English as a communication tool with their classmate. It indicates that the cognitive dissonance happens; their attitude and behaviour are different.