Comparative predictions of international orientations across Australian and New Zealand university students

Student exchange programs have been identified as effective means through which university students may develop international competencies which are much sought after by employers. The present study explored the multicultural effectiveness of Australian and New Zealand university students, specifically in their orientation towards international activities, and their desire to participate in international education exchange programs. Exchange students report higher open-mindedness towards different cultures and greater levels of flexibility than non-exchange students. Students who report higher levels of cultural empathy and open-mindedness are more likely to be exchange students. Furthermore, exchange students who report higher levels of open-mindedness are more likely to report aspirations towards an international career. Further studies should examine the constructs and predictive power of the MPQ in relation to success with international sojourn.