Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2009, Higher Education (Education)

The purpose of this basic interpretive qualitative study was to understand the increased number of secondary school age British students considering undergraduate study in the United States. The study included events and experiences that influenced participants' interest and decisions concerning pursuing undergraduate study in the United States. It further explored the role that the various people in the students' lives played in the process: parents, friends, careers advisors, media, etc. The study included a purposeful sample of 12 self-identified British students completing their A-levels education. Additionally, interviews with nine international students completing their A-levels education at a school in the United Kingdom were included. The study also included interviews with three careers advisors and the former head of the U.S./U.K. Fulbright Commission. The interviews took place at three boarding schools in England over a one-week period. The following conclusions were drawn after an in-depth analysis of the transcripts of the individual interviews and biographical questionnaires. The students in the United Kingdom who are considering undergraduate study in the United States are interested in universities in the United States based upon their perception of the quality of education, the ability to delay choosing a major, the opportunity for a liberal arts education and their perception of the availability of scholarships and other financial assistance.

Committee: Peter Mather Ph.D. (Advisor); Bob Young Ph.D. (Committee Member); Tommy Duncan Ph.D. (Committee Member); Gordon Brooks Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Education