![Sample our Education journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5932/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Education.jpg"})
Abstract
This paper presents the results of an inter-regional study of 1,422 undergraduate business majors from thirteen (13) public universities in the United States. These universities were grouped into four (4) regions of the country-the northeast, the southeast, the central, and the west. Three dependent variables concerning student interest in (1) taking international business courses, (2) pursuing long-term and (3) short-term business career opportunities abroad, were compared to determine if regional differences occur. Independent variables, which were found to correlate with the dependent variables regarding higher levels of interest (results from a previous study), were also compared for regional differences. These independent variables included academic maturity, degree of international travel, number of languages spoken, and previous work experience with international companies.
The statistical analysis used to determine differences between the regions regarding the dependent and independent variables included Cross Tabulations and Chi-Square, One-Way Analysis of Variance for the four regions for the interval scaled variables, and Kruskal-Wallis One-Way Analysis of Variance for k independent samples for the nominal and ordinal scaled variables.
The results of the study indicate that students from the western region of the nation had higher levels of interest for pursuing international business courses and careers, and exhibited higher levels of international experiences regarding travel, the number of languages spoken, and work experiences with international companies. This region was closely followed by the southeast in levels of course and career interest. The central and northeastern regions overwhelmingly exhibit lower levels of interest and international travel experiences.
Prescriptions are offered for the schools whose students exhibited lower levels of interest and international experiences to help remedy weaker feelings toward international business courses and careers.