Contrasting Student Attitudes Toward Study Abroad Programs Among College Of Business Majors

Abstract

The evolution of globalization has increased the demand for skills that can compete in the expanding global markets. In addition to meeting the basic skills required in particular academic disciplines, many educators have advocated that an increased international exposure should be included in students’ higher educational experience. Some universities include international study abroad as a component of their degree requirements. Our study surveyed junior and senior level business students at a publicly-funded state university to determine their attitudes toward the study abroad experience. This university does have various study abroad experiences available to students through its International Center and encourages, but does not require, an international experience for graduation. Our study contrasts the perceptions of a study broad experience between the business disciplines. We seek to further clarify this area of research by identifying differences in the majors’ perceived value of the study abroad experience relative to their in-class major courses, their financial needs, costs of studying abroad, concerns about safety when studying abroad, and their views of the value of the overall study abroad experience by potential employers.