I conducted my research report in the hopes to understand what kind of impact studying aboard has on a student’s university experience. This project has taught me so much about how to properly use sources and gather information that is relevant when searching for information. I have also learnt through completing this research project, that i am heavily influenced by what i read when researching. However, this can be avoided by thoroughly investigating sources which was done for this project.
Through conducting the research report, I have learnt that studying abroad has an enormous impact of the lives of university students. Its allows them to see the world, become more independent, and also to have an advantage in the work force once they have completed their university studies. I also have learnt, that while the impact is mostly positive, there are also some negatives to studying abroad. Although they are small, they can also be very significant. 70% Respondents discussed that they felt a sense of loneliness as they missed their family and friends back home. They also stated that this led to some anxiety as they often felt out of place and were under the impression that they did not fit in.
For my next research project, I will make sure I choose a topic which will be more relatable for students. I struggled to gain enough participants in my survey, mostly because there are not many students in BCM212 who have studied abroad, and those who had, came home early due to Covid 19. To understand these details better, I will conduct more short surveys before beginning my assignment to gain some insight on what I can expect to receive in answers. I realised a few weeks after posting my survey that a very small amount of students actually had studied abroad themselves, so I did change my questions to incorporated answers which were based off another person’s experience. I still only had a total of 11 respondents for my survey. For future research projects I would have conducted a few interviews, however this was difficult at the time of Covid 19, while having a compromised immune system. Next time I conduct research I would also choose a broader question which more students could relate to.
Overall, I really enjoyed completing this project and feel like I have learnt a lot about the process of conducting first hand research and also gathering second hand research to come to a combined conclusion.
Tahlia's Blog 