The time abroad project – German and British students’ expectations for their stay abroad

In the UK the number of students studying for a language degree and spending an extended period abroad has been declining for some years. This trend has a negative effect on the number of incoming students too since student exchange is often based on bilateral agreements between institutions. In order to work towards overcoming the reluctance of UK students to go on a placement abroad, it is important to gain a better understanding of typical student profiles and their expectations of an exchange semester. Using a quantitative research approach this study looks at British and German students’ expectations before their time abroad and their views after their return. The results show similarities between the two cohorts, but also striking differences. In particular, the expectations regarding students’ main goals vary considerably.