The Impact of Sport Management Students’ Perceptions of Study Abroad Programs on Their Intentions to Study Abroad

The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of sport management study abroad programs through the application of social cognitive career theory. Two studies were conducted. The focus of Study 1 (n = 19) was to qualitatively assess the factors that facilitate (i.e., supports) or impede (i.e., barriers) intentions to study abroad. Study 2 (n = 71) incorporated the results from Study 1, providing a quantitative aspect to the research. The results of the observed path analysis yielded strong support for the model: supports and barriers were associated with study abroad self-efficacy, which was, in turn, positively associated with interest in such activities. Finally, interest was strongly associated with choice goals. Implications for sport management education are discussed.