BMG203 – Literature Review
Exchange Programs and their effects on students’ international motivation
Jaymie Tucker & Olivia Vandzura
Bishop’s University
October 15th, 2014
Studying abroad appears to be a growing trend among young adults, and the social, cultural and personal impacts are significant. As globalization is growing, a shift from an average individual to a more globally aware citizen must be considered. Numerous studies and surveys have been performed to evaluate the relationship between international exchange programs and their impacts.
Studies have examined the effects international exchanges have on students who participate in them. More specifically, these studies have found individualized positive effects present among students who had previously studied abroad (i.e. Mapp, 2012; Sison & Brennan, 2012). Cultural appreciation and an increase in open-mindedness were noticed among students post-exchange, and these effects were described as beneficial due to the speed of globalization (Mapp, 2012). These benefits are described as valuable since the individuals, or future employees, possessing these qualities will be considered an asset to future employers.
Similarly to these positive effects earned by individuals, international exchange programs have had larger-scale effects (i.e. Ault & Martell, 2007; Sison et al. (2012). As Sison et al. (2012) indicates, universities who partake in international exchange programs, either hosting students or sending their students abroad, obtain certain benefits as well. The benefits include an increase in the university’s international reputation, the capacity to develop international relationships, and the access to potential recruitment markets (Sison et al., 2012). The increase in student population diversity is another positive impact described by Ault et al. (2007) and Sison et al. (2012). Studying alongside students from around the world will permit “the...