Open AccessInternational Careers: U.S. Undergraduates’ Motivations and Concerns
Author(s) -
Katherine Punteney
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of international students
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.47
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 2166-3750
pISSN - 2162-3104
DOI - 10.32674/jis.v6i2.367
Subject(s) - salary , internationalization , action (physics) , public relations , higher education , psychology , career development , call to action , pedagogy , international education , political science , sociology , marketing , business , physics , quantum mechanics , international trade , law
Despite the consensus among industry leaders, policymakers, educational institutions, and students themselves that it is essential that U.S. college graduates be prepared for international careers, little attention is given to understanding the dynamics that encourage or dissuade students from such a pursuit. A survey administered to U.S. undergraduates reveals that key factors motivating students include love of travel, interest in other cultures, the possibility of earning a high salary, and the potential for opportunities in the major discipline. Key concerns include leaving family and friends and a lack of foreign language ability. It is argued that the internationalization of career advising is vital and urgent and that administrators, international educators, career centers, and academic departments must all take purposeful action