Abstract:

The current research primarily aims to investigate the range of motivational factors that drive students to study abroad, and secondly to explore the connection between the initial motivations, the study abroad goals achieved by the end of the study abroad program and the subsequent satisfaction with the higher educational institution.

For our exploratory research we conducted 20 in-depth interviews with international students of various nationalities who participated in study abroad programs across the globe. The interviews focused on the underlying study abroad motivations that shaped the decision and also investigated the level of satisfaction regarding the host country and the host institution.

60% of the respondents were from outside of Europe, while 40% were citizens of the European Union. The analysis of the interview transcripts revealed 6 different groups of motivation that are rooted in following social norms, seeking new experiences, expected outcome, cost-benefit analysis, host institution image and host country image.

The gain of new experiences prevailed as a motivational group among European citizens, while the image of the host country and host institution was secondary. For citizens outside Europe the most important study abroad motivational group was the expected outcome (such as international career), the image of the host country and host institution, while following social norms and cost-benefit analysis appeared as secondary motivators.

The level of satisfaction about the study abroad program varied depending on the dominant motivational groups at each individual: international students who initially aimed to gain personal experiences were largely satisfied while those who focused on the expected outcomes and the cost-benefit analysis were generally less satisfied with their study abroad program.

Based on the results institutions can better understand the forces that drive students to study abroad, offer more customized and efficient supporting programs and consequently enhance international student satisfaction.

Keywords:

International students, study abroad motivations, push-pull factors, satisfaction in education.