Why do American students choose to study abroad and why do international students choose to study abroad in America

Chapter 1-Research Problem, Background & Purpose

Why do American students choose to study abroad and why do international students choose to study abroad in America?  An analysis of factor’s influencing their choice at an American private university.

A 5 page document in which you will discuss the nature of your chosen research problem, as well as, the background and significance of the problem presented.

Includes the following sections:

1. Title Page:

Why do American students choose to study abroad and why do international students choose to study abroad in America?  An analysis of factor’s influencing their choice at an American private university.

The professor is requiring us to have the following info in the statement of the problem section (my responses to assist you in your writing are in italics):

2. Statement of the Problem

(a) A clear statement that the problem exists:

The problem that is not known is:

What factors play a role when students at the University of Miami decide to study abroad as well as the factors that play a role for international students deciding to study abroad at the University of Miami?

(b) Evidence that supports the existence of the problem

The amount of students who study abroad has been stagnate and low over the last decade.

Study Abroad numbers need to increase dramatically to meet UM’s goal of doubling the amount of students who participate in study abroad over the next 3 years. 

(c) Evidence of an existing trend that has led to the problem

The current trend is that less and less students are committed to study abroad as well as faculty participating in a department study abroad term or plan.  International student’s numbers choosing study abroad at the University of Miami has also dropped. 

(d) Definitions of major concepts and terms

SAP  Study Abroad Program

   UM   University of Miami

(e) A clear description of the setting (the University of Miami)

• Southeast Large suburban
• Resort looking university, with great professors who were educated at top tier universities.
• A place to meet people from all over the world.
• A very expensive school.…
• Located in Southern Florida, the University of Miami has an ideal location for students who love the outdoors.
• With popular spots like South Beach, the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park nearby, students have plenty of opportunities for water sports, hiking and sunbathing.

• Downtown Miami, also near to the school, is a thriving sports and cultural center.

(f) Probable causes related to the problem

• Study Abroad is not required or suggested in all departments.
• The SAP department is not well known
• Faculty are not interested in participating in teaching in the SAP either yearly, for 1 term or even 2 weeks.
• UM has a significant amount of tenured professors who do not need to participate in the SAP.
• Expense
• Student’s ill-perceived perceptions of expense, losing time/credit, homesickness, not fun/related to major, etc…
• Etc…

(g) is specific and can be feasibly addressed.

The board, vice-provost, associate vice-provost are all interested in this initiative of increasing the numbers of UM’s SAP.  As well as most other administrative personnel.  Not all faculty are interested.

3. Topic

The topic. This is a brief description of the proposed area of study.

4. Research Problem

The research problem. This is an area of conflict, concern, or controversy (a gap between what is wanted and what is observed).  (The professor also wants 2-3 “Academic Gaps listed, which is previous completed research that has areas not resex that another researcher can conduct research on).

5. Background and Significance

Background and justification. The evidence from the literature and experience showing that the problem exists and the relevance. Include at least 2 references that pertain to the importance of this area of a research study.

6. Deficiencies of Evidence

Deficiencies in the evidence. Include a brief discussion that details the area of   need in relation to the problem and the deficiency or lack of evidence in the literature.

7. Audience

Audience. Discuss who is affected and who benefits.

8. Purpose

Purpose.  Write your purpose for conducting this research study.

The purpose of this research is to understand the factors that prevent students from an American private university who want to study abroad in an international country as well as factors that prevent international students who want to study abroad in the American private university.

9. References (Below the 4 pages of references are copied verbiage notes that you may want to use for this assignment.)

These are references that I have researched and would like to use for my dissertation; however they do not have to be used for this assignment if you do not want to use them.  The professor does require for this assignment to have at least 10 Peer reviewed Journals as references.