Great expectations among outbound Swedish exchange students – a case from Umeå University

Abstract

This paper explores expectations and outcomes for outbound students in Sweden, comparing their expectations with what they actually experienced. Based on an initial sample of 143 students 57 answered both surveys, before and after having the experience of studying abroad. The aim is to investigate to what extent the expectations of outbound exchange students are being met in a population of students who had temporarily studied abroad. In this study, Umeå University, Sweden, is used as a case. This study highlights what incentives students have to become exchange students and most importantly, how they value this experience. The respondents had positive expectations before departing as exchange students and they returned with even more positive attitudes.