The Influence of Former Experiences, Expectations, and Other Individual Factors on the Study Abroad Experience of College Students

Abstract

Studying Abroad is being promoted as the perfect opportunity to broaden the worldview and intercultural awareness of anyone experiencing this unique situation of living in a foreign country. Many studies, such as Kitsantas' (2005) "Studying Abroad", concentrate on the outcomes and changes in perspective after the participants return home following their experience abroad. But few, like Rohrlich's (1993) "Expecting the Worst (or the Best!)", take previous experiences, expectations, or motivation into consideration. This study was one step to bring these aspects to the foreground by asking questions such as: What expectations and former experiences do college students who chose to study abroad have? What shaped and influenced the students' expectations and motivation? Are experiences abroad able to transform previously held expectations and beliefs? Why or why not, and how much does it depend on individual factors, such as cross- cultural skills? Identifying the reasons that motivate college students to study abroad will help to promote study abroad programs more effectively. Furthermore, knowing about students' previous experiences, their expectations, and individual motivations is important information that can be used to provide them with the best possible and most constructive preparation for their adventure abroad.