Pattern of changes in personality traits and self-esteem among UKM-UDE Double degree students

Abstract

The present paper reports a study on identifying pattern of changes in self-esteem and personality traits among UKM-UDE double degree students who study in both UKM in Malaysia and University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) in Germany. A longitudinal design of data collection was employed. Students responded to the Rosenberg Self-esteem and Big Five personality inventory (BFI) at three different times throughout one year. Data analysis indicated that there were significant changes in self-esteem and some noticeable pattern of change in the personality traits within one year stay in UDE campus. These findings suggest that new, intercultural environment and goal modification experienced by the students could probably cause the changes in the students' self-esteem and personality traits. The Double-degree programme seems to bear positive impact on the overall personality development of future engineers. Implications and possible future relevant research are discussed.