Expectations and Anxieties Relating to Short-Term Edutourism Exchange Program: Case Study of Indonesian-German Students Exchange
Ni Luh Christine P. S. Suyasa (a*), Dennis Weizenecker (b), Putu Chris Susanto (a)

a. Faculty of Economic and Humanity, Universitas Dhyana Pura
Jl. Raya Padang Luwih, Br. Tegaljaya, Dalung, Kuta Utara, Badung, 80361, Bali
christine.suyasa[at]undhirabali.ac.id
b. Heilbronn University of Applied Science
Max-Planck-Straße 39, 74081 Heilbronn, Jerman

Abstract

Short-term exchange programs present great opportunities for students to gain international experience, while experiencing other countries and cultures. These programs are often coupled with excursion and touristic experience, which belongs to the realm of educational tourism or ‘edu-tourism-. This paper aims to discuss the expectations and anxieties experienced by the related stakeholders to short-term exchange programs prior to departure, namely the students themselves, the school teachers and administrators, as well as the parents. The study focuses on a two-week exchange program in which a group of eight Indonesians students from Bali will take part in an edutourism experience in Germany. Using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, this study seeks to identify the involved Indonesian parties- expectations and anxieties towards the exchange and how international experience has an influence on their perception. The study found that the expectations of students, parents and teachers can be clustered into personal development, learning about the language and culture as well as the enjoyment of the trip. As for anxieties, major concerns were the ability to cope with the language and culture, problems in everyday life as well as personal health. In between the groups, differences regarding the importance of some expectations and anxieties were observed. Additionally, the groups- international experience played an important role relating to their perception and had an influence on their expectations and anxieties.

Keywords: student exchange, edutourism, study abroad, expectations, anxiety

Topic: International Symposium on Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, and Religious Studies

Link: https://ifory.id/abstract-plain/qhjVdvGXKECw

Web Format | Corresponding Author (Ni Luh Christine Prawita Sari Suyasa)