Introduction
In recent years, a rising number of students have benefited from the study abroad programs that many scholars believe that they have been in a better position to offer great potential to advantage students in increasingly internationalized work place and world. The globalization process has contributed to the rise in this number. The internationalization of the world is believed to contribute greatly to the students participating in the global academic opportunities.
An extensive discussion among the educators concerning diversifying study abroad benefits has actually developed. However, apart from the various benefits that these students get, they may face various constraints that their majority students’ peers do not face. Investigating the various benefits and constraints that these students face is crucial in the education sector. Many scholarly articles and journals have reported on these benefits and constraints (Jacqueline 2010).
The purpose of the study
This study aims to assess further through a focus group and survey, the benefits and constraints of studying abroad. The study results give an indication that the institutional factors which in this case include lack of information, the difficulties in academic scheduling, and relevant programs absence together with the other factors prevent these students from participating fully and benefiting from the study abroad programs (Jacqueline 2010). These institutional factors determine the behaviors of these students as they directly show whether they are happy in their new settings or not. Therefore, the measurement of the individual students’ behavior is crucial in showing whether the students participating in these study programs benefit or not. Particularly, measuring how these international students behave is what the study aims to do since they indicate whether they are comfortable or not in their foreign study settings.
Researching further on this research topic is fundamental in determining whether these upcoming leaders and businesspersons fully benefit or whether they face any constraint. The reason as to why we need extra research on this topic is to establish whether the benefits received from studying abroad outweigh the constraints and in the case where constraints are more, find the best ways of addressing these obstacles (Rose 2007).
Participants
The study involves studying the behaviors of the young adults in their foreign academic institutions as dictated by various issues associated with foreign learning. Therefore, the participants in the study are both male and female students who are below the age of 30 years. Investigating their feelings about the institutional issues and close examining their behaviors as dictated by their educational institutions environments is what is important in this particular study.
For the research to be efficient, it is important for the measurement of these students’ behaviors to be done on a regular basis maybe twice per week (Susan 2012). Participant observation is important in this case since the study involves directly observing their behaviors and comparing these behaviors with those of students from the host countries. The best recording method is the use of audio and video tapes as through them, one can feel the experiences of these students easily and this will be important in showing whether they benefit from the educational opportunities offered in these institutions or not. Enquiring whether they receive encouragement from the administrations, discussing their family concerns, and enquiring their financial issues is crucial as it provides avenues where the observers can observe directly the behavior of the study participants, and their feelings about these important behavior-measuring components. For that reason, this research aims to study these variables. The benefits or problems of studying abroad can therefore be determined through observing the behaviors of the students in their foreign settings studying environments.
Methods
The study dictates that various methods of primary research be employed. As stated, observation particularly participant observation is one of the primary methods. This method is fundamental in this study, as the purpose of the study is to measure the participants behaviors which, will be used in determining whether the really benefit or not from these programs. Interviewing is the other method since it is important in showing the participants study experiences. Through the interviews, the participants will be able to provide in formation on whether they face the academic scheduling difficulties.
Their feelings about the programs being offered will also be best evaluated through the interviews. This research method will also investigate whether they are provided with the relevant information about their academic institutions. They will also explain whether they face any discrimination from the host students. The research participants will be in a better position through interviews to explain whether they receive any benefit from the study abroad programs. The variables in addition are best investigated through the survey method (Jackson 2005). This will involve administering questionnaires where for instance, issues that are concerned with finance will be best evaluated using this method.
Research compliance with the principles of Belmont report and Common Rule
The research will be guided by the three principles of Belmont report. It is the mandate of the research to respect all the participants where the requirement to acknowledge the autonomy and that one of protecting the individuals with diminished autonomy will be upheld. On the issue of benificence, the study will not harm the participants, as it will maximize the possible benefits (Jackson 2005). Therefore, this research will have various benefits to them. It is in addition the responsibility of the research experts to treat everyone fairly according to the principle of justice. On the other hand, the research will comply with the research institutions requirements. It will also acquire informed consent from the participants.
References
Jacqueline Murray Brux (2010). Multicultural Students in Study Abroad: Their Interests, Their Issues, and Their Constraints. Vol. 14, No. 5, p.23 Mar – July, 2010
Rose, S., & Bylander, J (2007). Border crossings: Engaging students in diversity work and intergroup relations. Innovative Higher Education, 31, 251-264.
Susan C. Mapp (2012). Effect of short-term study abroad programs on students' cultural adaptability. Vol.48, No.4 p.10, 2012
Jackson, M. J. (2005, fall). Breaking the barriers to overseas study for students of color and minorities. IIE Networker Magazine: Diversity in International Education. Retrieved June 6, 2007, from http:// www.iienetwork.org/page/71532
