Understanding motivations for short-term study abroad program participation: evidence from Chinese universities

This mixed-methods study aims to explore the motivation behind Chinese university students’ participation in short-term study abroad (STSA) programs. It is based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and self-presentation theory. Through a questionnaire survey of 525 university students, the effectiveness of the TPB framework was tested using the structural equation model (SEM). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 students and thematic analyses carried out. Research findings indicate that behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control all have a significant positive impact on intent to participate. The two most significant findings of this study are: 1) the “first overseas experience” itself is regarded as a kind of “life ritual”, constituting a powerful internal driving force; and, 2) there are significant differences in the stated motivation for “language improvement” between the questionnaire (frontstage) and the interview (backstage), reflecting the self-presentation strategies adopted by the participants. The main contribution of this study lies in demonstrating that students’ motivation is not static, but rather a complex process dynamically regulated by context and culture. This research provides practical guidance for universities in their design of STSA programs. It also demonstrates that motivation is a dynamic narrative created by context and cultural factors, challenging the singular view of motivation.