Life Satisfaction among Outbound Students in Northern Sweden

Abstract

The transition from one’s home country to a university abroad can be demanding. This study is a follow-up studyexploring life satisfaction among outbound students. Outbound students at Umeå University, Sweden, were surveyedbefore and after experiencing studying abroad. Thus, the students’ life satisfaction could be compared after aninternational experience with the situation before studying abroad. The same students (individuals) were surveyedboth times. The study is based on an initial sample of 143 outbound students, where 57 answered both surveys. Itwas found that students reported lower levels of satisfaction regarding their study situation, life as a whole, contactswith friends and leisure time after a period abroad. Furthermore, after returning the students reported lower levels ofsomatic health and psychological health compared with before studying abroad. These were items that significantlyaffected students’ life satisfaction. However, most of the respondents were happy with their daily life activities andpartner relationships.