Vocational graduates’ perceptions on the outcomes and impact of international exchange
Korteharju, Tanja (2021)
Korteharju, Tanja
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021060714746
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021060714746
Tiivistelmä
This study focuses on studying the perceived outcomes and impact of student exchanges in a vocational education institution. The study explores the experiences of graduates on how foreign study periods affected their lives and their career choices. The commissioner is Hyria Education.
The theoretical framework begins with defining the concept of competence and examining the key soft skills needed for a successful career of young people. It also explores how multicultural experiences or the way one perceives them affect self-concept development and learning outcomes. A well-being theory is explored to interpret the impact of the foreign experience.
The empirical part was carried out using an open-ended interview, and the data were analysed using the Grounded Theory method. This research approach was inductive, meaning that the theory was sought only after the data analysis. The research findings were presented using the mix of phenomenological and grounded theory methods.
The findings were related to the informants’ hard and soft competence development and finding one’s strengths. That improved their self-concept clarity, which further affected the informants’ career decision-making process. The awareness of their unique qualities and enhanced competencies increased their confidence and strengthened their individual and professional identity. That opened many career opportunities for them. Many experience outcomes further affected to improved life satisfaction and well-being.
The theoretical framework begins with defining the concept of competence and examining the key soft skills needed for a successful career of young people. It also explores how multicultural experiences or the way one perceives them affect self-concept development and learning outcomes. A well-being theory is explored to interpret the impact of the foreign experience.
The empirical part was carried out using an open-ended interview, and the data were analysed using the Grounded Theory method. This research approach was inductive, meaning that the theory was sought only after the data analysis. The research findings were presented using the mix of phenomenological and grounded theory methods.
The findings were related to the informants’ hard and soft competence development and finding one’s strengths. That improved their self-concept clarity, which further affected the informants’ career decision-making process. The awareness of their unique qualities and enhanced competencies increased their confidence and strengthened their individual and professional identity. That opened many career opportunities for them. Many experience outcomes further affected to improved life satisfaction and well-being.