An exploration of the experiences of Singaporean exchange students

• Main Author: David, Joanne
• Other Authors: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Education
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/44103
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study explores the experiences of Singaporean exchange students through surveys and interviews. Firstly, it examines their motivations for going on exchange through the use of a push and pull typology. It is found that push motivations are more significant than pull motivations. Secondly, it looks at the students‟ touristic experiences as there is an important link between student exchange and travel. Using Cohen‟s framework of tourist roles, findings revealed that students were more similar to the explorers or drifters than organised mass tourists or individual mass tourists. Lastly, it studies the impact of exchange on the students‟ development of selves. It is found that exchange was beneficial as students have reported positive changes in terms of skills, personality traits, values and other aspects.