FACTORS THAT MOTIVATE THE NEW GENERATION STUDENTS TO STUDY ABROAD - Exchange students as a case study
Adebiyi, Olukayode (2012)
Adebiyi, Olukayode
Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205137881
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205137881
Tiivistelmä
A complete understanding of the customer’s needs is the first step to a achieving the principal goal of any organisation. Thus, building a solid business foundation does not only rely on capital, vision or mission but also a deep comprehension of customers’ expectations. The aim of this research is to identify the current trends that motivate international exchange students to go abroad for studies. By studying two partner Universities; Savonia University of Applied Sciences Varkaus Campus Finland and the University of Economics in Katowice, the research outcome will be further strengthened. As a result, a primary focus is made on building an international communication plan for Savonia UAS Varkaus Campus based on the research results.
The adoption of a mixed research approach is used to gather background information and analysis. Between October and November 2011, two structured on line questionnaires were directed to the international coordinators and exchange students of both case study Universities. The survey for the international coordinators from both universities focuses on establishing a framework for this research. The response rate from the questionnaire directed to the exchange students was 30 %. In addition, a face-to-face group discussion was conducted with exchange students on Varkaus Campus during the autumn semester in the academic year 2011/2012.
The research results reveal that 6 out of every 10 exchange students go abroad to study for one of these major reasons: travelling experience, self-development, multi-cultural environment experience and language skills improvement. In addition, amongst several other factors the choice of a particular study place abroad is strongly based on distance, country, recommendations, availability of relevant courses, cost of living, educational quality and social activities. Furthermore, exchange students at Savonia UAS Varkaus commended the services received from teachers and their teaching method, learning infrastructures and the timing of email responses.
In conclusion, the international communication plan and recommendations are made based on the research outcomes and the knowledge acquired from the theoretical framework.
The adoption of a mixed research approach is used to gather background information and analysis. Between October and November 2011, two structured on line questionnaires were directed to the international coordinators and exchange students of both case study Universities. The survey for the international coordinators from both universities focuses on establishing a framework for this research. The response rate from the questionnaire directed to the exchange students was 30 %. In addition, a face-to-face group discussion was conducted with exchange students on Varkaus Campus during the autumn semester in the academic year 2011/2012.
The research results reveal that 6 out of every 10 exchange students go abroad to study for one of these major reasons: travelling experience, self-development, multi-cultural environment experience and language skills improvement. In addition, amongst several other factors the choice of a particular study place abroad is strongly based on distance, country, recommendations, availability of relevant courses, cost of living, educational quality and social activities. Furthermore, exchange students at Savonia UAS Varkaus commended the services received from teachers and their teaching method, learning infrastructures and the timing of email responses.
In conclusion, the international communication plan and recommendations are made based on the research outcomes and the knowledge acquired from the theoretical framework.