The motivation and experience of alma mater tourists

Abstract

This study investigates alma mater tourists' motivation and experience through semi-structured interviews. We propose that one's tertiary educational institution serves as a Home of Exploration between one's Home of Origin and Home of Procreation. This Home of Exploration occupies a liminal stage in life when one can be truly free. Alma mater tourists revisit their places of higher education to reminisce about the days when they were authentic to themselves and experience a unique blend of happiness, nostalgia, and other emotions. This experience is explained herein with sociological concepts including authenticity, spiritual center, push and pull factors, and life course theory.

Keywords

• Alma mater tourists
• Motivation
• Experience
• Authenticity
• Home of exploration
• Push and pull