ERIC Number: EJ847314
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 22
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1443-1475
Study Abroad as Innovation: Applying the Diffusion Model to International Education
Spiering, Kerri; Erickson, Sheri
International Education Journal, v7 n3 p314-322 2006
This paper uses diffusion of innovation theory as a framework for studying why United States college students who attend study abroad information sessions fail to take advantage of such educational opportunities. Surveys were administered to two groups of undergraduate students--those who studied abroad and those who did not. Students ranked their decision based on five attributes of diffusion theory, relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. The results indicated relative advantage and trialability were the most important factors in deciding to study abroad, while those choosing not to study abroad ranked complexity and compatibility as the primary reasons. Recommendations include targeting the role of study abroad adviser as a change agent to influence student study abroad decisions and educating faculty about the benefits of studying abroad. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Change Agents, Innovation, Educational Opportunities, Study Abroad, Student Participation, Information Dissemination, Class Size, High Schools, Gender Differences, Family Influence, Peer Influence, Costs, Decision Making, Academic Advising
Shannon Research Press. Available from: Australian and New Zealand Comparative and International Education Society. ANZCIES Secretariat, Curtin University, Box U1987, Perth, WA Australia. Tel: +61-8-9266-7106; Fax: +61-8-9266-3222; e-mail: editor@iejcomparative.org; Web site: http://www.iejcomparative.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

Peer reviewed
Direct link
