Journal of Education and Human Development

The Comparative Analysis of the Study Experiences of Mobile and Non-Mobile Hungarian University Students
Eva Reka Keresztes

Abstract
Student mobility is consideredone of the mostexplicit forms ofthe internationalization of tertiary education. There are several positive effects of a study abroadexperience for a university student regarding personal and professional development, too. Creativity, flexibility and complex thinking could lead to better professional opportunities and greaterjob market success, which are all among the beneficial consequences of a study abroad experience.This study has processed the primary data collected by interviewing Hungarian mobile and non-mobile university students about their study experiences.The comparative analysis of the two groups has led to statistically significant differences regarding the satisfaction and development of university students.Mobile students tended to be more satisfied with their host institution on the basis of several factors like the quality of the program, technical equipment,administration anduniversity life.Students had various motivations and possibilities in the selection process for a home and a host institution.It was also important to analyze the personal and professional development of mobile and non-mobile students. Mobile students were more likely to improve their personal and language competencies abroad. The utmost results mobile students experienced were in openness, inquiry, adaptation and self-knowledge. The greatest differences in personal development between the two groups appeared in tolerance, self-confidence and selfknowledge.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v3n3a9