Short-term study abroad : motivations, expectations and experiences of students of Aalesund campus

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore students' motivations, expectations and experiences in embarking on short-term study abroad and to investigate factors that influence students' attitude and intention to study abroad. Based on in-depth interviews with two groups of students, yet to go abroad and have been abroad, this paper discusses the motivations, expectations and experiences of students by comparing and contrasting these two groups. This analytical approach reveals very interesting insights into the study abroad decision-making process. The paper also presents a conceptual model, which was estimated by use of multiple regression analysis based on data source of 294 respondents. Understanding the factors which influence attitude and intention to study abroad can provide useful guidelines for higher education institutions to consider in the formulation of effective study abroad programs and on how best to promote and market study abroad experiences to the Norwegian student.