Exploring the antecedents of learning approaches: A study of international business students

As the globalisation of education accelerates, there is a growing need to develop an understanding ofthe factors that influence student learning within the context of international business education.Accordingly, this paper explores some antecedents of the learning approaches of students on internationalbusiness programmes at an Irish university, by examining their motives for entering higher education,reasons for selecting an international business degree, expectations and preparedness for furtherstudy. An analysis of the data reveals that students advance to university for a mix of vocational,educational, personal and social motives. Overall, the students feel well prepared for higher education,they have extremely positive expectations of the contribution of higher education to theiracademic, personal and social development, and the majority is confident that they will succeed intheir university studies. In contrast to these positive findings, the study also reveals that many of thestudents are seriously underestimating the study commitment required of them.