Perceptions and Preferences of Study Abroad

This research compares the study-abroad perceptions and preferences of business and non-business majors. The results suggest that the two groups have somewhat different motivations for studying abroad. On balance, business students appear more pragmatic than their non-business counterparts, expressing greater concern for financial issues, and the effects of study abroad on both graduation dates and future job prospects. However, the two groups expressed virtually unanimous agreement when asked to describe their specific preferences regarding a study-abroad program. The results suggest that although the two groups seem driven by different motivations, their study-abroad needs may be satisfied by a single, carefully designed program.