Analyzing the Outcomes and Challenges of Sabbatical Leave Abroad of Agricultural Students

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

faculty memberm, Institute for Research & Planning in Higher Education

10.22059/ijaedr.2023.362926.669240

Abstract

One of the key programs for the internationalization of higher education is sending doctoral students to Sabbatical Leave abroad. Therefore, examining the outcomes and challenges of using students' Sabbatical Leave abroad for decision-making and planning is of unique importance. So, this research was conducted with a qualitative approach and to achieve this goal. To collect data, an in-depth interview was conducted with 23 PhD graduates of College of Agriculture & Natural Resources until the theoretical saturation point was reached. To answer the research questions and extract the components, the content analysis method was used and the codes were determined in the form of words and concepts, using MAXQDA software. The findings showed the outcomes of agricultural students using Sabbatical Leave abroad could be divided in four categories: knowledge development and scientific and educational experiences; development and implementation of research; cultural, communication and networking; and individual. Also, individual challenge; challenges related to the country of origin; and challenges related to the destination country were the three categories of challenges of using Sabbatical Leave abroad of agricultural students. Finally, considering the key and valuable outcomes that the use of this opportunity brings for PhD students and considering the participants' experiences of the upcoming challenges, it is recommended that students' lived experiences of the process and conditions of sabbatical leave be published as a booklet and be accessible so that applicants for sabbatical leave abroad can benefit from this opportunity in a more effective way.

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Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 December 2023

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