Students’ motivations to participate in short-term study abroad experiences

Purpose While previous studies have focused primarily on outcomes of participation, few studies have focused on motivations to participate in study abroad experiences. This study aims to identify students’ motivations to participate in short-term study abroad experiences and compare motivations of students previously participating in short-term study abroad experiences with students not previously participating in a short-term study abroad experience. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire, distributed via email, was used to collect data from students attending a mid-size public higher education institution in the Southeastern USA. Data was analyzed using principal component analysis. Findings Results indicate the top three motivations students consider when deciding to participate in short-term study abroad experiences are: the desire for international experiences, social interaction and escape. Students previously participating in short-term study abroad experiences had significantly higher agreement with international experiences, escape, personal development and social interaction, than students who had not previously participated in a short-term study abroad experience. Research limitations/implications First, the majority of participants in the study had not participated in a study abroad program; however, over 66% indicated they were likely to participate in the future. Moreover, the university in which the study was conducted provides a study abroad grant available to all students which typically covers at least half of expenses related to participating in a short-term study abroad; universities not offering such financial assistance should also be examined. Practical implications Findings may be useful for higher education institutions, private companies providing student travel services and government policymakers to increase participation in short-term study abroad experiences. Social implications The purpose of this study was to examine what push motives compel students to consider participation in short-term study abroad experiences. Understanding student motivations may in turn assist educators in understanding the value of short-term study abroad experiences to enhance a students’ social and educational experience while in school. Originality/value This study examined whether students previously participating in a study abroad experience had different motivations than students who had not previously participated in a study abroad experiences. Findings indicated students previously participating in study abroad experiences had significantly higher agreement with the motivations of international experiences, escape, personal development and social interaction compared to students who had not previously participated in a study abroad experience. In addition, students previously participating in a study abroad experience had higher agreement with remaining factors, although not significant. Results suggest previous participation in study abroad experiences enlighten students to the benefits of international education experiences.