The quality of international mobility experiences, general self-efficacy and job search self-efficacy: A time-lagged investigation

Abstract

Grounded on social cognitive career theory as a framework, the present research investigates whether high quality international mobility experiences of students enhance their general self-efficacy perceptions and improve job-search self-efficacy behavior (JSSE-B) and job-search self-efficacy outcome (JSSE-O) following graduation. Data was collected at two different time points from students who enrolled to an international mobility program. The first survey was conducted shortly after students returned to home country, and the second survey after 23 months on average following the first survey. The results revealed that the quality of international experiences had a positive and indirect effect on JSSE-B and JSSE-O and this relationship was mediated by general self-efficacy of participants. The findings suggested that both general self-efficacy and by extension job search self-efficacy could be enhanced through properly designed international student mobility programs, benefits of which are not constrained to a limited time span, but prevail after graduation, as well.