Post on 06-May-2015
Presented by : Bobby Edwards, Julia Karnaze, Laura Riker, Allie Rize, Tera Roeker, Nick Rogers
Villanova Study Abroad Programs
Participation in study abroad programs has more than tripled over the past two decades
39% of Villanova’s 2011 graduating class had studied abroad
Introduction
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(Villanova Office of International Studies)
Villanova University Study Abroad
Managerial Problem
Why aren’t more Villanova undergraduate students taking advantage of study abroad
opportunities?
Given how beneficial study abroad programs are, why doesn’t each graduating class have a
higher number of students who studied abroad?
Study 1 Trends
Missed opportunities
Finances
Exchange rateWork experience
Cultural immersion
New perspectiveFriendships
Personal growth
Career development
Major constraints
Knowing travel companions
Language
Homesickness
Resume builderHigher cost of living
Miss out on leadership positions
Responsibilities on campus
Sports
Parental consent
Missed career opportunities
Communication difficulties
Limited class selection
Safety
Relationships
Complementary courseworkGPA
Academic Personal Professional Social
Villanova University Study Abroad
Study 1 Trends
Conducted Qualtrics survey Used the information from our study 1 trends to form
our questions for the survey Total : 53 respondents
Villanova University Study Abroad
Study 2
Breakdown of Respondents
Have you taken advantage of study abroad opportunities?
Yes: 28 respondents – 53%No: 25 respondents – 47%
What school are you enrolled in?
VSB: 24 respondents – 45%Arts and Sciences: 20 respondents – 38%Engineering: 7 respondents – 13%Nursing: 2 respondents – 4%
Breakdown of Respondents
What academic year are you?
Freshman: 7 respondents – 13%Sophomore: 9 respondents – 17%Junior: 28 respondents – 53%Senior: 9 respondents – 17%
Is language required as part of your major?
Yes: 18 respondents – 34%No: 35 respondents – 66%
Compatibility with major Foreign language requirement GPA
Based on the regression analysis, none of these factors affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.
Villanova University Study Abroad
Academic Factors
Financing Personal growth Homesickness
Based on the regression analysis, none of these factors affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.
Villanova University Study Abroad
Personal Factors
Opportunity to intern/work abroad Internship and interviewing opportunities at home Effect on resume
Based on the regression analysis, only internship and interviewing opportunities at home and effect on resume affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.
Villanova University Study Abroad
Professional Factors
Relationships / friendships Sports On-campus activities
Based on the regression analysis, all of these factors affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.
Villanova University Study Abroad
Social Factors
Personal perception does not equal perception of others for personal, social, academic, and professional factors.
Respondents perceive that others place less importance on these factors than they do themselves
Villanova University Study Abroad
Perceptions : Self & Others
The only trends that can be traced are the ones between academic year and if people have studied abroad
Upperclassmen have studied abroad more than underclassmen
There was no correlation between study abroad trends and if language is required and the school someone is enrolled in
Villanova University Study Abroad
Study Abroad Today
Awareness of options and perception of the benefits of studying abroad are related
Familiarity with study abroad options leads to a more positive outlook on the benefits of studying abroad
Villanova University Study Abroad
Knowledge of Options
Attitudes of those who have studied abroad and attitudes of those who have not studied abroad differ
Those who have studied abroad find more benefit from the opportunity
Villanova University Study Abroad
Attitudes of Participants
46 of our 53 respondents answered “Yes” to the question “If you could eliminate your most prevalent constraint, would you study abroad?”
Based on Study 2, professional and social aspects are the ones most considered when deciding to study abroad. The Office of International Studies should take this into consideration in their research.
Villanova University Study Abroad
Without constraints, would you study abroad?
Villanova University Study Abroad
Shortcomings
Lack of diversity within respondent base
Lack of clarity of sliding scale - no scaling indicators
Differing results between people’s overall considerations and regression of specific attributes 3 tested attributes perhaps not
the most significant
Dive deeper into details regarding the categorical factors
Explore how program awareness at a younger age could boost participation
Look into ways to involve study abroad alumni Include the option for a freshman study abroad
program in a future study
Villanova University Study Abroad
Advice for Office of International Studies
4 most important factors : academic, personal, professional, social
5 most important attributes : internship and interviewing opportunities at home, effect on resume, relationships/friendships, sports, on-campus activities
The Office of International Studies should consider our research, our concerns, and our recommendations when further planning study abroad programs
Villanova University Study Abroad
Conclusion
Thank you!
Villanova University Study Abroad
Any questions?