Motivations and Barriers for Cross-Cultural Volunteering Among International Students: A Study at the University of Sopron, Hungary
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study explores the motivations and barriers influencing inter-national students’ participation in cross-cultural volunteering at the Univer-sity of Sopron, Hungary. A quantitative approach was employed, using an adapted questionnaire, to gather data on volunteering experiences, motivati-ons, and barriers. A total of (53) International students responded to the questionnaire. The results show that while international students recognize the benefits of volunteering such as enhancing teamwork skills, community integration, and personal fulfilment, their engagement in voluntary activities significantly decreases after arriving in Sopron. Key motivations identified include career development, personal growth, and a desire to contribute to the host community. However, barriers such as language challenges, lack of accessible information, and academic pressures hinder participation. The findings underscore the importance of addressing these obstacles to improve volunteer engagement and integration within the host community. Recom-mendations for future volunteer programs and institutional support are pro-vided, aimed at fostering greater participation among international students. JEL Codes: I23, J24, L31
Source: Gazdaság és Társadalom
Authors: Nechirvan Othman, István János Bartók
Institution: University of Sopron
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Soproni Egyetem
OpenAlex ID: W4410091920