NAVIGATING EDUCATIONAL FRONTIERS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' DECISION-MAKING IN PURSUING HIGHER STUDIES ABROAD
Abstract
This research investigates the intricate factors influencing international students' decisions to pursue higher education abroad. Examining Instructor Support, Motivational Factors, Situational Factors, University Support, and their interactions, the study draws significant conclusions. Instructor Support, Situational Factors, and University Support emerged as pivotal influencers, signifying the crucial role of academic, contextual, and institutional support in international students' decision-making. Surprisingly, Motivational Factors did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact, revealing the complexity of these students' considerations. The research also explored the nuanced interactions between Situational Factors and key influencers, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of decision-making. The study employed rigorous statistical analyses, including reliability assessments, discriminant validity checks, and hypothesis testing, ensuring the robustness of the findings. The Fornell-Larcker criterion and Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT) matrix validated the distinctiveness of the factors, enhancing the study's credibility. These findings offer valuable insights for educational institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to enhance support structures for international students. In an evolving higher education landscape, understanding the intricate dynamics influencing decision-making is paramount for fostering inclusive environments and tailored interventions. This research thus contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping international students' choices, paving the way for informed strategies and practices in the global education arena.
Keyword : International students, Higher education, Decision-making
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
• Choudaha, R., & Chang, L. (2012). "Chasing the butterfly effect: Unintended consequences of internationalization." International Higher Education, 68(2012), 23-24. • Chowdhury, R., & Bista, K. (2016). "International students' choice of destination country: A Western perspective." Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 26(2), 160-177. • DeWit, H., & van Gaalen, A. (2017). "Global perspectives on international student experiences in higher education: Tensions and issues." Routledge. • Findlay, A. M., King, R., Stam, A., & Ruiz-Gelices, E. (2006). ""Ever since I was born I've been leaving": The contexts, dynamics and meanings of long-term migration intentions." Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 32(4), 555-580. • Kim, Y. K. (2005). "International students’ academic adjustment and sociocultural adaptation in the United States." International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 29(2), 211-227. • Leask, B., & Carroll, J. (2011). "Moving beyond ‘wishing and hoping’: Internationalisation and student experiences of inclusion and engagement." Higher Education Research & Development, 30(5), 647-659. • Lee, J. J., & Rice, C. (2007). "Welcome to America? International student perceptions of discrimination." Higher Education, 53(3), 381-409. • Marginson, S. (2012). "Implacable forces: historical and institutional forces in the making of Asian international education student mobility." Comparative Education, 48(4), 387-409. • Marginson, S., & Rhoades, G. (2002). "Beyond national states, markets, and systems of higher education: A glonacal agency heuristic." Higher Education, 43(3), 281-309. • Mazzarol, T., & Soutar, G. N. (2002). ""Push-pull" factors influencing international student destination choice." International Journal of Educational Management, 16(2), 82-90. • Mok, K. H., & Xiong, W. (2018). "Global talent management in higher education: A relational perspective." Higher Education, 76(6), 1043-1060. • Montgomery, C., & Cram, G. (2015). "Understanding international students' experience and academic success in higher education in the UK." European Journal of Education, 50(2), 143-160. • Thomson, G. (2018). "Globalism, education and cultural conflict: Understanding global/local confluences." Routledge. • Wilkins, S. (2014). "Student mobility, graduate skills and employment in the Asia-Pacific: Evidence from a longitudinal study." Higher Education, 67(5), 615-631.