marketing research study abroad

Presented by : Bobby Edwards, Julia Karnaze, Laura Riker, Allie Rize, Tera Roeker, Nick Rogers

Villanova Study Abroad Programs

Participation in study abroad programs has more than tripled over the past two decades

39% of Villanova’s 2011 graduating class had studied abroad

Introduction

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(Villanova Office of International Studies)

Villanova University Study Abroad

Managerial Problem

Why aren’t more Villanova undergraduate students taking advantage of study abroad

opportunities?

Given how beneficial study abroad programs are, why doesn’t each graduating class have a

higher number of students who studied abroad?

Study 1 Trends

Missed opportunities

Finances

Exchange rateWork experience

Cultural immersion

New perspectiveFriendships

Personal growth

Career development

Major constraints

Knowing travel companions

Language

Homesickness

Resume builderHigher cost of living

Miss out on leadership positions

Responsibilities on campus

Sports

Parental consent

Missed career opportunities

Communication difficulties

Limited class selection

Safety

Relationships

Complementary courseworkGPA

Academic Personal Professional Social

Villanova University Study Abroad

Study 1 Trends

Conducted Qualtrics survey Used the information from our study 1 trends to form

our questions for the survey Total : 53 respondents

Villanova University Study Abroad

Study 2

Breakdown of Respondents

Have you taken advantage of study abroad opportunities?

Yes: 28 respondents – 53%No: 25 respondents – 47%

What school are you enrolled in?

VSB: 24 respondents – 45%Arts and Sciences: 20 respondents – 38%Engineering: 7 respondents – 13%Nursing: 2 respondents – 4%

Breakdown of Respondents

What academic year are you?

Freshman: 7 respondents – 13%Sophomore: 9 respondents – 17%Junior: 28 respondents – 53%Senior: 9 respondents – 17%

Is language required as part of your major?

Yes: 18 respondents – 34%No: 35 respondents – 66%

Compatibility with major Foreign language requirement GPA

Based on the regression analysis, none of these factors affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.

Villanova University Study Abroad

Academic Factors

Financing Personal growth Homesickness

Based on the regression analysis, none of these factors affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.

Villanova University Study Abroad

Personal Factors

Opportunity to intern/work abroad Internship and interviewing opportunities at home Effect on resume

Based on the regression analysis, only internship and interviewing opportunities at home and effect on resume affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.

Villanova University Study Abroad

Professional Factors

Relationships / friendships Sports On-campus activities

Based on the regression analysis, all of these factors affected respondents’ decision to study abroad.

Villanova University Study Abroad

Social Factors

Personal perception does not equal perception of others for personal, social, academic, and professional factors.

Respondents perceive that others place less importance on these factors than they do themselves

Villanova University Study Abroad

Perceptions : Self & Others

The only trends that can be traced are the ones between academic year and if people have studied abroad

Upperclassmen have studied abroad more than underclassmen

There was no correlation between study abroad trends and if language is required and the school someone is enrolled in

Villanova University Study Abroad

Study Abroad Today

Awareness of options and perception of the benefits of studying abroad are related

Familiarity with study abroad options leads to a more positive outlook on the benefits of studying abroad

Villanova University Study Abroad

Knowledge of Options

Attitudes of those who have studied abroad and attitudes of those who have not studied abroad differ

Those who have studied abroad find more benefit from the opportunity

Villanova University Study Abroad

Attitudes of Participants

46 of our 53 respondents answered “Yes” to the question “If you could eliminate your most prevalent constraint, would you study abroad?”

Based on Study 2, professional and social aspects are the ones most considered when deciding to study abroad. The Office of International Studies should take this into consideration in their research.

Villanova University Study Abroad

Without constraints, would you study abroad?

Villanova University Study Abroad

Shortcomings

Lack of diversity within respondent base

Lack of clarity of sliding scale - no scaling indicators

Differing results between people’s overall considerations and regression of specific attributes 3 tested attributes perhaps not

the most significant

Dive deeper into details regarding the categorical factors

Explore how program awareness at a younger age could boost participation

Look into ways to involve study abroad alumni Include the option for a freshman study abroad

program in a future study

Villanova University Study Abroad

Advice for Office of International Studies

4 most important factors : academic, personal, professional, social

5 most important attributes : internship and interviewing opportunities at home, effect on resume, relationships/friendships, sports, on-campus activities

The Office of International Studies should consider our research, our concerns, and our recommendations when further planning study abroad programs

Villanova University Study Abroad

Conclusion

Thank you!

Villanova University Study Abroad

Any questions?