Self-Efficacy Enhancement in a Short-Term Study Abroad A Modified Grounded Theory

The purpose of this paper is to explore the change process of the participant s minds who participated in the shortterm study abroad program, which was offered by their university. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Japanese students during the study abroad program in New Zealand. As a qualitative research method, a modified version of the grounded theory approach (M-GTA) was used. The four categories identified by participants: Stage1. The aspiration for self-growth and low self-efficacy, Augment factors, Stage 2. Encounter with new environment, and Stage 3. Enhancement of self-efficacy. The results show that participants self-efficacy developed through the short-term study abroad. This development process is considered to be an effect of short-term study abroad experience. Moreover, the students might be able to develop a global mindset in the future

Keywords:

Study Abroad , Human Resource Development , Self-Efficacy