Evelyn Roach

Study Abroad Students Experiences & Expectations of Host Countries: a Comparative Analysis of International and American Students Evelyn Roach

This was a comparative study of International and American study abroad students? experiences and expectations with host countries. The rationale for the study was to acquire a deeper understanding of different experiences of students who study abroad and to understand whether their expectations of the host country have an impact on their experiences. An opportunity sample of American study abroad and international students was selected from the United States student population and their expectations and experiences compared. The study addressed six research questions, using mixed-method approach. The principal instrument for the investigation was the Cross-Cultural Participant Questionnaire conducted online. The results of this study identified language fluency, building relationship with the host nationals, learning about a new culture and personal change as significant expectations of the students.