This paper deals with the issue of how taking part in an exchange program affects a young person. Of course, beside cognitive effects there are a lot of changes in personality that a long time abroad at such a young age will cause. This paper will reveal what kind of changes most exchange students face with themselves and find out whether a kind of paragon of how an exchange student diversifies exists or not.
In order to receive reliable answers, the questionnaire which provides the basis for this disquisition consulted 98 returnees and 34 hopees of “into Schüleraustausch”. It contains detailed questions concerning expectations on how the exchange will change the young people and their delivery.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and lead-in to the procedure of an exchange programme based on the programmes of “into Schüleraustausch”
1.1. Introduction
1.2. The time before the exchange – being a “HOPEE”
1.3. Different types of exchange programmes
1.4. The time of the exchange – being an “EXCHANGE STUDENT”
1.5. The time after the exchange – being a “RETURNEE”
2. Effects of an exchange according to previous studies
2.1. General information on country of chosen exchange programmes as well as age and gender of exchange students
2.2. School after an exchange
2.3. Effects on the future career
2.4. Effects on personal skills
2.5. Intercultural learning as an aspect of exchange programmes
2.6. Language skills
3. Effects of an exchange according to my own research
3.1. General information on chosen programmes
3.2. Effects on the future life
3.3. Influence on personality & character
3.4. Language skills
3.5. Significant differences between certain groups of exchange students
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper investigates the multifaceted effects of long-term exchange programmes on young people, specifically focusing on cognitive, personal, and character-based development. The research aims to answer whether the personal growth reported by exchange students is consistent with previous studies and how individual expectations influence the outcome of the exchange.
- The impact of exchange programmes on personality development and maturity.
- Cognitive changes and language acquisition through immersion.
- The role of the host country and duration of stay on the exchange experience.
- Expectations versus reality in the context of student exchange programmes.
- Post-exchange career perspectives and future life choices.
Excerpt from the book
1.1. Introduction
„Der institutionelle internationale Austausch, der Jugendliche zum Reisen bringt, zum Aufenthalt in einem anderen Land und zu dessen Entdeckung, zum Erleben von Begegnungssituationen mit dessen Einwohnern, erscheint als eine natürliche und angemessene Antwort für die Zielsetzung einer Annäherung der Kulturen, der Kenntnis des Anderen und der Kommunikation mit ihm.“ 1 (Colin, 2006, p. 281)
What Lucette Colin wrote in 2006 exhibits only one facet of student’s exchange. Apart from being a means of getting different cultures together, it is also a way to learn a second language up to native speaker level and it also illustrates a great possibility for young people to unfold themselves, to expand their horizon and to dispute with themselves.
I took part in an exchange programme myself in 2014 and therefore wanted to investigate the effects of such a stay in general. Two of my central questions were “Can it be said generally that an exchange student, seen personally and characterwise, ages twice as fast during their time abroad?” and “Does my own experience reflect a ‘usual’ exchange and its consequences?”.
The following pages will deal with the issue of how taking part in an exchange programme affects a young person. Of course, beside cognitive effects there are a lot
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction and lead-in to the procedure of an exchange programme based on the programmes of “into Schüleraustausch”: Defines the scope of the study and outlines the logistical process of participating in an exchange programme from application to returning home.
2. Effects of an exchange according to previous studies: Reviews existing academic literature regarding school performance, career influence, and personal development of former exchange students.
3. Effects of an exchange according to my own research: Analyzes survey data from 132 respondents to compare empirical findings with theoretical expectations and existing studies.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes key findings, noting that while cognitive improvements vary, the personal and character development of students is consistently profound.
Keywords
Student exchange, personal development, cognitive skills, language immersion, intercultural learning, maturity, self-confidence, host family, returnee, career choice, education, study abroad, youth development, social integration, international experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the effects of long-term exchange programmes on young people, specifically how these experiences influence their cognitive abilities, personal growth, and character development.
What are the central themes covered in the study?
Key themes include the impact on personality, language acquisition through immersion, school performance after returning, career aspirations, and the role of intercultural learning.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine if the personal transformation of exchange students aligns with existing studies and to evaluate the gap between student expectations and their actual experiences abroad.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The author conducted a survey of 132 respondents, including both former exchange students (returnees) and those currently planning their exchange (hopees), and compared these primary results with existing academic studies.
What does the main body of the work address?
It covers the entire procedural cycle of an exchange (before, during, and after), reviews previous literature, and provides a detailed analysis of the author's own research findings regarding personality and career impacts.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include student exchange, personal development, maturity, intercultural learning, and language immersion.
How does the "into-point-system" influence returnees?
The system incentivizes returnees to engage in activities like volunteering at seminars or promoting the programme, which provides them with practical skills and the opportunity to earn a flight back to their host country.
Are there significant gender differences noted in the findings?
Yes, the study highlights that female students often show different patterns in relationship dynamics with parents and perceive changes in their social circles differently compared to male participants.
Why is the duration of the exchange important according to the study?
The research suggests that longer stays lead to more distinctive personal repercussions, influencing maturity and the likelihood of repeating a school year compared to shorter exchange durations.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Viktoria Schneeweiß (Autor:in), 2016, Exchange programs. The effects on a young person concerning cognitive and emotional skills, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/336322
