This qualitative study was designed to explore the experiences of students and student services staff involved in the direct exchange program between University of Central Missouri (UCM) and Orebro University. The researcher explored the impact of student services staff assistance on students participating in this direct exchange. The conceptual framework of this research study included Schlossberg's Transition Theory (1984), which was selected as it explains what happens for students who are experiencing a significant transition. It directs them to the help they need when studying abroad in a new culture. Another theory that was utilized was Astin's Theory of Student Involvement (1985), which reveals how students who get involved in their study abroad experience through co-curricular activities have a better overall experience. Participants of this student included students who participated in this direct exchange as well as student services staff who work very closely with the exchange students. Data collection for this qualitative student included individual interviews, observations, and an online survey. For accuracy and credibility, the researcher did "member checking" as defined by Creswell, meaning the researcher shared the information revealed by the data analysis process with the participants to ensure the information was accurate (Creswell, 2014; Merriam and Tisdell, 2016; Seidman, 2013). Overall analysis of the data disclosed many themes, such as volunteer opportunities, comfort, relationships, multiple challenges, independence, personal and professional development, study differences (orientation, support, etc.), and reaching out. All of the findings provide real information describing the richness of the direct exchange established between UCM and Orebro University.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.