Identity Change in Students Who Study Abroad

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this chance for thanking my research facilitator, friends & family for support they provided & their belief in me as well as guidance they provided without that I would have never been able to do this research.



DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this dissertation stand for my individual work without any aid, and this dissertation has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level, previously. It is also representing my very own views and not essentially those that are associated with the university.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Introduction1

1.2 Background of the Research1

1.3 Problem Statement2

1.4 Rationale of the Study2

1.5 Research Aims and Objectives3

1.6 Research Questions3

1.7 Significance of the Study4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

2.1 Introduction5

2.2 The Concept of Studying Abroad5

2.3 Identity7

2.4 Theories of Identity10

2.4.1 Self Categorization Theory11

2.4.2 Self Verification Theory14

2.4.3 Identity Negotiation Theory16

2.5 Operationalization of Variables17

2.6 Problems during Study Abroad19

2.6.1 Emotional problems20

2.6.2 Problems with study abroad20

2.6.3 Adapting abroad20

2.7 Types of Staying Abroad21

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY23

3.1 Introduction23

3.2 Research Design23

3.3 Sample and Sampling24

3.4 Data Collection Methods24

3.5 Research Instrument Used24

3.6 Measures25

3.6.1 Personality25

3.6.2 Competence in the language of the host country25

3.6.3 Individual-to-culture fit25

3.6.4 Reasons why students study abroad25

3.6.5 Satisfaction with life26

3.6.6 Satisfaction with study abroad experiences26

3.6.7 Self Esteem26

3.6.8 Self verification26

3.6.9 Personal growth27

3.6.10 Living arrangements while abroad27

3.7 Data Analysis27

3.8 Ethical Considerations28

3.9 Limitations of the Study28

3.10 Limitations and Suggestion for Future Research29

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS31

4.1 Introduction31

4.2 Interview Analysis31

4.2.1 The Reasons That You Came Abroad31

4.2.2 Extent to Which Students Change In Terms Of Global Perspective, Attitudes towards Cultural Diversity, And Self Efficacy after They Study Abroad32

4.2.3 To What Extend Do Students Change Their Attitudes towards Host And Home Countries As A Result Of Study Abroad33

4.2.4 Skills You Have Gained33

4.3 The Theoretical Significance36

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION37

5.1 Conclusion37

REFERENCES41

APPENDICES45

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

The main objective of carrying out this research was to get an insight into the factors of determining identity change in students who study abroad. This research has been organized in successive five chapters and reveals the overall brief view of identity change in students, while recommending ways to further enhance the topic under consideration.

1.2 Background of the Research

The proclamation, “studying abroad has profoundly influenced my views, how I look at myself, and how I relate with the world” is common among students who have studied abroad. While not an absolute statement, this proclamation provides a window for exploring identity change in students who study abroad. However, despite the growing number of students studying abroad and an avalanche of publications on study abroad literature, there is a paucity of research on the psychological impacts of studying abroad, particularly identity change. Students studying abroad are confronted with new cultures and environments and these play a role in modeling student's behavior and identity. This study will investigate personal and situational predictors of identity change.

Three theories will be applied to understand identity change. Self categorization theory proposes that identity is fluid and dependent on social ...