Demographic and Career Trends of Expatriate Student Affairs Professionals

Abstract

Career opportunities for U.S.-educated student affairs professionals to work outside of the U.S. in student affairs have become increasingly available over the past two decades. The purpose of this study was to determine demographics of U.S.-educated expatriate student affairs professionals and their motivations to work abroad, which remains a unique experience in the landscape of student affairs professional experiences. Using a national recruitment approach of social media, networks, and snowball sampling, 43 self-initiated expatriate student affairs professionals participated in the survey to determine their demographics and motivations to work abroad. Results include the personal and educational backgrounds of respondents as well as information about the institutional types, locations, and level of positions of their work experiences abroad. The results indicate that a desire for a new experience, adventure, and an enhancement of career prospects were the main reasons for student affairs professionals seeking work abroad. Implications for future research and career development support are provided.