Unterstützung oder Dienstleistung: German Exchange Students’ Perceptions of Student Support Services After Studying Abroad in the United States

As Germany seeks to compete in the international higher education market, German universities are rethinking their approach to the services provided to students. As predicted by the theory of academic capitalism, this competition is poised to force universities to consider student services as both a marketing tool and alternate stream of revenue. This study explores German students’ perceptions of student support services. Through qualitative interviews with German students who have studied abroad in the United States, the author examines their perceptions of the services offered to them by universities and third party affiliates. Emergent themes are illustrative of understaffing and thoroughly bureaucratic support services in Germany. Furthermore, they highlight important questions on the potential financial impact that a more Americanized approach could mean for German students