Journal of Forestry
Volume 109, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 69-73

Motivation of foreign students seeking a multi-institutional forestry master's degree in Europe (Article)

Arevalo J.* , Tahvanainen L. , Pitkänen S. , Enkenberg J.
  • a School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
  • b School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
  • c School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
  • d School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 55, 57101 Savonlinna, Finland

Abstract

In the context of globalization in higher education, the increasing importance of student mobility and the challenges of aligning forestry curricula to changing societal demands, this study explores the motivation of forestry students seeking graduate degrees in a foreign country. Within the framework of the expectancy-value theory of motivation, a qualitative approach is taken to provide an in-depth characterization of a group of 20 students from 14 countries starting a multi-institutional graduate program in Europe. Results indicate a high motivation, but also a great variability, of expressed motives and goals. Within a wide range of interests, climate change and carbon sequestration issues appear among the hottest topics alongside some traditional areas. High interests in continuing to doctoral studies and in returning to work in their home countries are reported. Findings of this research provide potential value for curriculum development of international programs in general and of forestry programs in particular. © 2011 by the Society of American Foresters.

Author Keywords

Forestry education International students motivation Interview study

Index Keywords

education curriculum Europe globalization motivation Forests carbon sequestration Graduate degrees International program Curricula Forestry programs Master's degree Qualitative approach Potential values Graduate program Foreign countries student Timber Expectancy-value theory Forestry education Interview study curriculum development Climate change Forestry Students higher education teaching International students Foreign students
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79953236967&partnerID=40&md5=93ae6cc35405041d699b99d65b3e638e
ISSN: 00221201
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English