Evaluating Student Preparations for Their Study Abroad Destination: A Case Study of France Through Surveys and Content Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.995Keywords:
Best practices, cultural immersion, on-site staff perspectives, pre-departure orientation, social media, social networks, student preparedness, study abroad resourcesAbstract
This article explores pre-departure resources and student preparations for study abroad in France. It does so through a mixed-method investigation of university and program provider resources as well as social media content. Both university and program provider resources confirm a common adherence to established topics according to international education best practices. Much of the content centers on students’ identities and lifestyles as they exist in the U.S. rather than the host country cultures. The social media content revealed possibly better engagement practices but identified concerning trends of homogenization, monetization, and some inaccuracies in study abroad information. From multiple surveys assessing how staff in France, those in the U.S., and students perceive student preparation and resources, the research further identified that U.S. staff and students’ perception of preparedness was higher than that by staff in France. Staff in the U.S. and those in France overestimated students’ use of Instagram and Tiktok for study abroad information.
Abstract in French
Cet article explore les ressources dont disposent les étudiants afin de se préparer à étudier à l’étranger, en France. Pour ce faire, l’étude se base sur une méthode mixte : enquêtes sur les ressources offertes par les universités de départ, les pourvoyeurs de programmes et les contenus des médias sociaux. Ces ressources confirment une adhésion commune aux sujets établis selon les meilleures pratiques en matière d’éducation internationale. Une grande partie du contenu est centrée sur les identités et les modes de vie des étudiants tels qu’ils existent aux États-Unis plutôt que sur les cultures du pays d’accueil. L’analyse des contenus des médias sociaux a révélé des degrés de participation, peut-être meilleurs, mais a identifié des tendances préoccupantes d’homogénéisation, de profits monétaires et certaines inexactitudes dans les informations sur les études à l’étranger. À partir de plusieurs enquêtes évaluant la façon dont le personnel en France, aux Etats-Unis et les étudiants perçoivent la préparation et les ressources communiquées aux étudiants, l’étude a en outre identifié que la perception du niveau de préparation par le staff et les étudiants aux États-Unis était supérieure à celle du personnel en France. Le staff aux États-Unis et en France a surestimé l’utilisation d’Instagram et de Tiktok par les étudiants pour obtenir des informations sur leurs études à l’étranger.
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