What Motivates Students to Study Abroad? A Comparison of Australia and Scotland's Academic Tourism Sector

This research explores the field of academic tourism, whereby international students study abroad for a period of time. It uses a comparative case study research with primary data being collected at Bond University, Australia, and likened with previous research completed in Aberdeen, Scotland.

The main issues include what are the main motivations for university students to conduct a study abroad overseas, are there similarities and/or differences between findings of students attending different universities in different parts of the world (Australia and Scotland) and if their main motivational influences are common.

The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods in a survey instrument. Results showed that the main motivational factors that influenced the students included the drive to have a unique experience, escape from daily life, the natural environment and scenery, recreational activities and self-discovery. The largest constraint discovered that negatively influenced a student's exchange was financial restrictions.