Factors Influencing Interest in Post-Secondary Agricultural International Travel Experiences

Abstract

International travel experiences (ITE) are high-impact practices that allow post-secondary agricultural students the opportunity to engage with production processes and commodities in other countries. In addition to adding tremendous value to their technical knowledge base students are also able to learn about new cultures. Prior research has focused on factors influencing students’ decision to participate in ITE programs. This study builds on research using best-worst scaling to quantitatively analyze motivations or obstacles impacting students’ intention to participate in an ITE. This approach provides a preference share which can be directly compared to other motivations or obstacles in a manner that Likert scales cannot. Students majoring in agriculture at two comprehensive regional universities were surveyed on their motivations or hesitancy in participating in an ITE. Use of the best-worst scaling method reveals that the opportunity for personal growth and earning academic credit are the two primary reasons generating interest in an ITE while cost and concerns about not earning academic credit are the primary reasons for students’ hesitancy in participating. The results of this study can be used by university coordinators in utilization of their limited resources to improve ITE and overcome hesitancy of students.