Motivations and expectations of study abroad: evidence from a study of Chinese undergraduate students on a higher education Trans-National Education (TNE) programme

Abstract

Universities around the world are providing increased opportunities for students to participate in international education. It is important, however, that both the recipient and source universities understand the motivations and expectations of students wishing to study abroad in order that they may design Trans-National Education (TNE) programmes that meet the needs of the students as well as to inform their promotional and marketing activities. The difficulty, however, is that student motivations and expectations can and do develop and change over time and so it is necessary to conduct regular research in order to ensure that decision makers are aware of the latest trends. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to report the findings of a contemporary study that sought to generate insight into students’ motivations and expectations relating to study abroad. The study is based on a survey of Chinese students registered on a TNE programme operated by a UK university and a Chinese partner university. While this study is limited by sample size and restricted to only one TNE programme involving a Chinese partner, the findings do provide insights into the motivations and expectations of students currently engaged in TNE. The findings indicate that experience with other cultures and a desire to broaden horizons were the primary motivations for the students to consider study abroad while the main expectations were that they would develop their personal and practical skills. The findings confirm the importance of the intercultural aspects of TNE programmes and may be used by university administrators and policy makers to assist in the design of courses and promotional campaigns.