Student perspectives of New Zealand and Australia study abroad course

Study abroad courses provide students a deeper understanding of the world around them and the changes happening in the industries they are a part of. This research investigates the perspectives of students and alumni of Oklahoma State University who attended the New Zealand and Australia study abroad courses. Using Q Methodology, participants sorted visual images taken while on the study abroad trip based on their individual experience. Two factors were determined, the Social Butterflies and the Not So Traditional Tourists. The Social Butterflies deeply appreciate social activities and traditional tourist attractions. The Not So Traditional Tourists preferred New Zealand and Australia's non-traditional landmarks and views, finding their own iconic landscapes. These participants preferred traditional food over common foods. Both factors shared less appreciation for classroom-based learning and did not have strong feelings toward crop agriculture.