Study Abroad in Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Cross-Cultural Experience in Scandinavia

Candice Brown* and Scott Barnicle, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Field (Broad Category): Sports Management/Sport Exercise Psychology (Behavioral & Social Sciences) 

Student’s Major: Sport and Exercise Psychology 

Little research has been conducted pertaining to cross cultural studies in the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the relationships that emerged between various student experiences during a Sport and Exercise Psychology study abroad trip, as well as establish themes across student reflections of the trip. A thematic analysis was utilized to examine ten participant (n = 10) essays pertaining to the ten day study abroad trip between Halmstad University and West Virginia University Sport and Exercise Psychology students. Two researchers coded the essays for recurring themes and then compared results. Results shown themes occurring in three broad categories: university differences, cultural differences, and sport differences. This research is relevant to West Virginia University students considering study abroad, as this research gives insight into the study abroad experience overall. Additionally, the information presented is relevant to students or scholars in the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology with interest in cultural differences and similarities within the field. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: Other Independent study