International Student Mobility : experiences, motivations and barriers - a practical guide for Jamk students preparing for exchange in the U.S.
Perätalo, Jasmiina (2025)
2025
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121938566
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121938566
Tiivistelmä
Student mobility has become an important aspect of higher education, offering opportunities for cultural, academic, and personal development. However, few Finnish students choose the United States as an exchange destination. The aim of the study was to identify the barriers and motivations affecting students’ decisions regarding U.S. exchange programs and to produce a practical guide for preparation.
Data were collected through an online survey targeting Jamks’s former exchange students, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The survey examined students’ motivations, perceived challenges, and support needs for international exchanges. Data were analyzed thematically, and quantitative responses were summarized using descriptive statistics.
Results showed that students were motivated by cultural experiences, language development, personal growth, and networking. Financial constraints, visa procedures, and logistical issues were identified as major barriers, while European destinations were preferred due to lower costs and simpler administration. The practical guide addressed these gaps by providing detailed information on visas, living costs, accommodation, and advice from personal experiences.
It was concluded that accessible, targeted support and the practical guide can reduce uncertainty, improve preparation, and encourage greater participation in U.S. exchanges.
Data were collected through an online survey targeting Jamks’s former exchange students, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The survey examined students’ motivations, perceived challenges, and support needs for international exchanges. Data were analyzed thematically, and quantitative responses were summarized using descriptive statistics.
Results showed that students were motivated by cultural experiences, language development, personal growth, and networking. Financial constraints, visa procedures, and logistical issues were identified as major barriers, while European destinations were preferred due to lower costs and simpler administration. The practical guide addressed these gaps by providing detailed information on visas, living costs, accommodation, and advice from personal experiences.
It was concluded that accessible, targeted support and the practical guide can reduce uncertainty, improve preparation, and encourage greater participation in U.S. exchanges.