Business Students' Choice of Short-Term or Long-Term Study Abroad Opportunities

Abstract

Recent years have seen a proliferation of short-term study abroad opportunities. Although they are both supplementing and replacing semester-long study abroad programs, research has focused primarily on semester (long-term) programs. We draw on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore factors that predict why students choose long-term and short-term programs. Results indicate that students perceive more social pressure to engage in short-term programs, and higher barriers limiting participation in longterm programs. All TPB factors significantly predicted students' intentions to study abroad in both shortterm and long-term programs with one exception; perceived behavioral control did not significantly predict intentions to participate in short-term programs. These findings can be used to improve marketing of short-term and long-term programs by addressing student concerns specific to each type of program, potentially increasing the number of students choosing to study abroad.

Individual attitudes and social influences on college students’ intent to participate in study abroad programs

“…Similarly, social norm toward SAPs was a significant factor in two conditions, 'if the courses were taught by student's university's faculty' or 'for a graduate degree'. These findings are consistent with Fitzsimmons et al's (2013) comments, suggesting differences in students' perceptions of each type of SAPs. Therefore, future research should interpret results under different SAPs with caution.…”

“…Our results are similar to previous research. For example, Fitzsimmons et al (2013) conducted similar research focused on the US business students' choice of short-term SAPs based on their attitudes and subjective norms. They found that both individual attitudes (coefficient = 0.53) and subjective norms (coefficient = 0.77) were significant for their choices of short-term SAPs.…”

“…They suggest that creating an extraordinary experience is a critical factor for motivating students to participate in SAPs. Fitzsimmons et al (2013) found the 'fun' factor as a significant determinant for students to develop positive attitudes toward SAPs. They refer to the 'fun' factor as opportunities for social engagements, adventure and excitement, or opportunities for new social, personal or cultural activities.…”

“…Several studies indicate that undergraduate students' favorable attitudes toward SAPs influence their intention to study abroad (Fitzsimmons et al, 2013;Presley et al, 2010;Schnusenberg & de Jong, 2012). Thus, when an individual's attitude is more favorable, a student is more likely to participate in SAPs.…”

“…Schnusenberg & de Jong, (2012) applied the TPB model and examined the three factors on college students' 'willingness to pay' construct for a shortterm SAP. Similarly, Fitzsimmons, Flanagan, and Wang (2013) studied the influence of the three general factors of TPB on undergraduates' decisions for short-and long-term SAPs. Their findings suggest that students primarily consider social pressure and individual attitudes in their SAP decisions, and PBC was only partially supported.…”