Forecasting College Students' Motivations to Study Abroad: A Pilot Study

To date, agricultural students' motivations regarding study abroad courses using the expectancy value-cost model of motivation have not been incorporated into study abroad research as potential factors influencing their choices to participate. In this paper, we present agricultural students' conceptualizations of their motivations to participate in short-term, study abroad courses or experiences. We used a descriptive-correlational research design in combination with modified versions of the Self and Task Perceptions Instrument (STPI), Expectancy-Value-Cost Questionnaire, and social cognitive theory items. It was posited that expectation for success, subjective-task value, cost, and self-efficacy would influence students' motivations to enroll in a short-term, study abroad course or experience before graduation. Overall, agricultural students displayed somewhat strong motivation to study abroad. Subjective-task value and expectation for success represented the largest motivational factors. Students indicated outside effort cost and self-efficacy as the least motivational factors. Task effort cost and location lived while growing up correlated lowly and negatively. However, outside effort cost correlated substantially and positively with students' motivations to study abroad.