This study sought to identify factors that motivated students at Pennsylvania State University and the University of Cyprus to major in elementary education and to compare the high school scholastic ability of these two groups of students. Questionnaires were completed by 157 randomly selected male and female Pennsylvania State University and 176 University of Cyprus students. Students were asked 22 questions that measured intrinsic factors related to why they had chosen to major in elementary education; four questions asked for demographic information. Statistical analysis of the data revealed major differences between the two groups of students. American students were more influenced by intrinsic factors such as love of teaching and love of students, while University of Cyprus students were more influenced by extrinsic factors such as guaranteed teaching positions, salary, and fringe benefits. There was also a clear difference in grade point average, with the Cypriot students scoring higher than the American students; this difference was consistent with the higher admissions standards in Cyprus. Copies of the questionnaire (in English and in Greek) are appended. (Contains 23 references.) (CH)