International Student Choice Research Articles

Implementation of an ePortfolio to promote professional pathways: A case study of international students in Australian higher education

Given the current status of ‘English as a global language’, master’s and postgraduate programs in Applied Linguistics and TESOL are becoming an increasingly popular choice for international students in Australia and elsewhere. However, international students enrolled in such programs often lack practical experience and a potential employment pathway. In this respect, an ePortfolio as an assessment tool has been found to assist students to become independent thinkers as they develop self-regulated, purpose-driven behaviours during construction of their ePortfolio. However, building an ePortfolio is a new concept for many of the international students in Australian higher education. The aim of this case study research was thus to identify the support international students require in completion of their ePortfolios. Research data in this mixed method study was collected through two survey questionnaires applied to international students within a course requiring an ePortfolio as a major assessment item. Results indicate the need for more focused training for these students not only in how to structure their ePortfolios, but also more broadly in the employability skills needed in the Australian workplace. This research will help to improve the design of similar courses, and consequently to improve the learning experience for future international students undertaking such courses.

Explaining the Silence in Seminars among Chinese Undergraduate Students in UK Universities

Recently, Britain is becoming the second most popular choice for international students, particularly, the Chinese students make up the largest proportion. The most common issue of Chinese students is silence in classrooms, that lead to negative engagement and academic performance. Four main factors to silence includes language proficiency, language anxiety, accent, and previous learning experience. However, only a few studies explore the impact of the current learning experience on silence. Therefore, this study will address this gap via a small-scale questionnaire study. The results show that language proficiency is the most crucial obstacle for Chinese students to actively engage. Anxiety also contributes to the silence in seminars, while the accent is less relevant. Moreover, the prior learning experience has an impact on students' engagement as expected. These findings disclose some theoretical evidence for UK universities policymakers.

Master’s Degree Programme in Russia: a Conscious Choice for International Students?

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of students worldwide choosing to study abroad. In 2014, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, about five million students studied abroad. The development of distance learning technologies contributes to the growth of mobility.Russia is an attractive destination for students’ mobility, both shortterm and long-term, and Russian universities compete for students in global markets. The internationalization of education, the increase in the number of international students at degree programs set new requirements for host universities, which should be taken into account in their strategies. This is the presence of a developed infrastructure at the university (laboratory equipment, well-equipped classrooms, modern dormitories, a library with access to a large number of electronic resources, etc.), high quality of teaching, accessible and friendly living environment at the university. In addition, various external factors that characterize the accessibility and attractiveness of the city and the country are important.The goal of our research is to identify the factors that are important for foreign students to choose Russian universities for master’s studies. The master’s level assumes that students themselves make an informed decision about studying abroad, as well as about the choice of country and direction of study, and also better understand what advantages foreign learning experience gives.The study was conducted by interviewing foreign students enrolled in Master’s programs at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg. The choice of this particular educational institution is due to the high proportion of foreign students enrolled in Master’s programs (on English-language programs their share reaches 40%, and on average is about 13%); the presence of several programs of prestigious international accreditations, network programs (double diplomas, consortiums) and, in general, high positions of the university in international rankings; as well as the wide range of master programs for different areas of study. The survey involved foreign students enrolled in master’s programs (excluding short-term mobility programs). As a result, it was revealed that the reputation of the university, the availability of scholarship programs and grants, employment prospects in Russia or abroad after graduation, simplicity and transparency of the enrollment procedure are crucial for master’s students intending to study in Russia.The results obtained on the basis of a survey of students make it possible to clarify the set of factors identified from the analysis of the literature that affect students’ decision-making about their training in the Master’s programs in Russia. Their practical significance lies in the fact that they can be taken into account when developing university strategies and programs, as well as marketing campaigns aimed at attracting foreign graduate students.

Study Destination Choice and Career Preferences of International Students at China Pharmaceutical University.

This study had two main thematic aims: first, to determine the factors that influenced the choice of international students at China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) to consider China as a study destination; second, to determine the career preferences of international students upon completion of their various programs of study. As a cross-sectional study, relevant data were collected from undergraduate pharmacy students and postgraduates using a self-administered questionnaire. On the whole, the five most important pull factors that influenced the choice of China as the study destination for the respondents were: (1) quality of education, (2) quality of academic staff, (3) security, (4) desire to obtain a certificate from a foreign country and (5) availability of scholarship opportunities. With respect to the career choices, the top three career preferences of the international students were: (1) to work in the pharmaceutical industry (i.e., pharmaceutical manufacturing companies), (2) to practice clinical pharmacy and (3) to seek employment opportunities outside their countries. This study provides additional details on why China has gradually become a study destination of choice for international students. The career preferences of students could be useful in the design of academic programs that could meet their job aspirations.

Increase of the Number of International students in Russian Universities as a Component of the state Education Policy

The article discusses the urgent problem of attracting international students to Russian universities as well as their readiness to attract a new type of student. The work considers aspects of useful international experience of the issue: today when education has become one of the main priorities in countries with developing economies, many of them seek to establish partnerships with leading world universities. The authors made recommendations for adjusting the current situation in the Russian Federation, where the most intensive flow of international students comes from the former USSR republics studying at the expense of budgetary funds. At the same time, the choice for international students is limited to universities of the country’s largest cities — Moscow and St. Petersburg, and this requires a change. Also considered is the growth factor of the position of Russian universities in international rankings, high positions in which play a significant role in enhancing the flow of international students into the country.

Predicting International Student Enrollment in U.S. Institutions by Institutional Characteristics: Using Fixed and Random Effects

For the first time, international student enrollment in U.S. institutions of higher education declined for a second straight year in 2017–2018. As a result, we sought to understand which institutional characteristics predict international student enrollment, informing the international education community regarding possible institutional factors responsible for the decline in international student enrollment by using five-year panel data from 2013 Fall to 2017 Fall. Results from institutional fixed effects models revealed positive relationships between first-time international undergraduate enrollment and different variables such as institutional grant aid in bachelor’s institutions and student services expenses at private non-profit institutions in suburban settings. Contrary to earlier research, this study’s findings revealed that there is no relationship between state appropriations and first-time international undergraduate enrollment. We address implications for research, practice, and international student choice.

Predicting International Student Enrollment in U.S. Institutions by Institutional Characteristics: Using Fixed and Random Effects

For the first time, international student enrollment in U.S. institutions of higher education declined for a second straight year in 2017-2018. As a result, this study sought to understand which institutional characteristics predict international student enrollment, informing the international education community regarding possible institutional factors responsible for the decline in international student enrollment by using five-year panel data from 2013 Fall to 2017 Fall. Results from institutional fixed effects models revealed positive relationships between the first-time international undergraduate enrollment and different variables such as institutional grant aid in bachelor’s institutions and student services expenses at private non-profit institutions in suburban settings. Contrary to earlier research, this study’s findings revealed that there is no relationship between state appropriations and first-time international undergraduate enrollment. Implications for research, practice, and international student choice are addressed.

The mediating role of international student satisfaction in the influence of higher education service quality on institutional reputation in Taiwan

The number of international students applying to universities in Taiwan is increasing annually. Moreover, universities’ choice for international students is also increasing with support from the Ministry of Education of Taiwan. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence student choice. This study investigates the effects of Taiwan’s higher education service quality on international student satisfaction and institutional reputation. We collected data from 197 international students studying at 33 national and private universities in Taiwan to test the study’s proposed model. This study uses a quantitative approach to examine the proposed hypotheses, and causal research design is used to elucidate the cause-and-effect relationship between constructs. The non-academic aspect of service quality is the most influential variable in student satisfaction, and student satisfaction strongly affects institutional reputation. Student satisfaction mediates the relationship between the academic and non-academic aspects of service quality and institutional reputation. This study’s findings could help higher education institutions in Taiwan assess and improve their service quality, which would help them attract international students.

Analysis of factors influencing international student destination choice: a case of Indian HE

ABSTRACT The inflow of international students to Indian higher education has remained low and this should be a matter of great concern. As a piece of country-specific research, this paper aims to understand the factors that influence an international students’ choice of India as a higher education destination. The results of an exploratory factor analysis indicate that international students enrolled in Indian universities considered conducive structural elements, the quality of education on offer, the cultural appeal of India, prospects of job in the destination country and the opportunity to learn English as the most important factors in host country selection. Further, a cluster analysis based on the identified factors specifies four international student segments that policymakers must pay attention to while formulating strategies to attract overseas students. This research provides an understanding into the destination choice motivations of an understudied market in an increasingly significant region of the world.

Investigating the factors influencing university choice for international students (with the main focus on a Russian regional university)

Investigating the factors influencing university choice for international students (with the main focus on a Russian regional university)

International students’ choice to study in China: an exploratory study

International higher education is a major source of revenue in many developed countries. Historically the top destination countries for international students have included USA, UK, France and Australia. The key countries where most international students are recruited from include China, India and other parts of Asia. The extant literature has mostly examined the factors influencing international students to study in Western countries. A new trend is now emerging with an accelerating growth of international students in countries such as China and other parts of Asia. This mixed-methods study addresses the gap in the literature by exploring the factors that influence international students’ choice to study undergraduate or postgraduate courses in China. The study found that China is becoming an important destination choice for international students due to the distinctiveness of the Chinese language, the rise of its universities in global rankings and the country’s economic growth.

Influences on International Student Choice of Study Destination: Evidence from the United States

Competition to attract international students continues to grow and understanding the factors that influence study destination choice is critical to the marketing efforts of nations, states, and institutions. This surveybased study of international students at Michigan State University demonstrates that they appear to choose the country in which to study, and/or the specific school, with less regard for school location. The most critical influences on their choices were expected quality of education, reputation/ranking of the university and individual departments/programs, safety/security, and cost/affordability. Differences in relative importance by nationality, gender, and level of education sought were also identified. Implications of these findings, for the marketing, promotion, and recruitment efforts of universities and national/regional economic development agencies, are discussed.

Influences on International Student Choice of Study Destination: Evidence from the United States

Competition to attract international students continues to grow and understanding the factors that influence study destination choice is critical to the marketing efforts of nations, states, and institutions. This surveybased study of international students at Michigan State University demonstrates that they appear to choose the country in which to study, and/or the specific school, with less regard for school location. The most critical influences on their choices were expected quality of education, reputation/ranking of the university and individual departments/programs, safety/security, and cost/affordability. Differences in relative importance by nationality, gender, and level of education sought were also identified. Implications of these findings, for the marketing, promotion, and recruitment efforts of universities and national/regional economic development agencies, are discussed.

OUP accepted manuscript

This paper studies the determinants of international students' mobility at the university level, focusing specifically on the role of tuition fees. We derive a gravity model from a Random Utility Maximization model of location choice for international students in the presence of capacity constraints of the hosting institutions. The last layer of the model is estimated using new data on student migration flows at the university level for Italy. We control for the potential endogeneity of tuition fees through a classical IV approach based on the status of the university. We obtain evidence for a clear and negative effect of fees on international student mobility and confirm the positive impact of the quality of the education. The estimations also support the important role of additional destination-specific variables such as host capacity, the expected return of education and the cost of living in the vicinity of the university.

Exploring factors influencing international students’ decision to choose a higher education institution

PurposeThere is little research into small higher education institutions and international students’ choice in selecting these institutions. The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors that influence international student choices in selecting a small institution. In particular, this study compares the differences between Chinese students and other international students in selecting an institution, specifically based on sources of information used, usefulness of the information, pull motivations, and reference groups/items.Design/methodology/approachThis research study examined undergraduate international students at a small-sized Canadian higher education institution. “International students” were surveyed – as the total population included all students who are studying at the institution on a study permit or a temporary resident (visitor) visa. All full-time and part-time international students attending the institution were eligible to participate in the survey regardless of their faculty or major. For the sampling process, international students at the institution were intercepted on campus using convenient sampling and personal interview method to participate in the survey. In addition, students were invited within the classroom to volunteer to complete the survey. They were able to complete either a paper-based survey or an online survey by following a hyperlink.FindingsResults indicate that international students considered “the university’s website” as the most used information source but perceived “direct communication from the institution” as the highest ranked usefulness of the information when selecting a small institution. Further, findings indicate that international student cohorts perceived “environmental cues and educational facilities” as the most important pull motivational factor and the institution itself as the reference that has the most significant influence on student decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted on students who were surveyed following their enrolment and attendance at the institution. Students were surveyed at various stages of their undergraduate studies. As a result, some of these responses may be several years from the actual decision of selecting an institution and student recall may not be accurately reflected. In addition, examining student decision making prior to, during, and immediately following their choice of institution would most likely create better information as student attitudes and perceptions would be recorded closer to the actual decision. In addition, given that these students are attending the institution their actual experience on-campus may have impacted their responses either positively or negatively.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight into international student choice in choosing smaller institutions. These findings can support recruitment policy and strategy for international students and may assist in enhancing institutional performance.Social implicationsThe study reinforces the need for policy makers, institutional leaders and recruiters to understand motivations to pursue overseas studies and to ensure push, pull, and structural factors are aligned for successful student recruitment outcomes. While there is commonality among international student cohorts, there are also significant differences that need to be addressed by institutions and destinations for international students. These findings are presented from one small higher education institution in Canada.Originality/valueThis study created new knowledge regarding international student decision making in choosing to study at a small higher education institution. The study compared the key factors that influenced decision making and identified differences among Chinese students and other international students. There is little research into the international student decision making and small institutions. This study provides unique insight into international student choice and influences on their decision making.

Changing Facets of International Student Mobility

Student Mobility is the most visible and dynamic manifestation of internationalization of higher education. The recent years have noted a considerable increase in the volume of international mobile students and patterns have changed significantly. Now the traditional destinations are facing competition with the new emerging destinations in the international education market. The dynamics of host and source countries have changed significantly. The nature of flow of student mobility has been changed from unidirectional to multidirectional. In the changing facets of internationalization of higher education, the overall context of global mobility has changed significantly in terms of both who is going where, and the mix of host and sending countries. Mobility of programs and institutions from one country to another in the form of branch campus, franchised degree programs, distance education are growing at a fast pace and thus posed serious challenge. Diversification of destination countries as a new change in international student mobility is making the scenario more complex. With the emergence of new trends, international higher education is changing the choice for international students and thus influencing the trends of international student mobility. In this context, the focus of the present paper is to revisit the trends of international student mobility across the globe. The present paper will highlight the complexities which are arising as a result of the changing nature and new developments which are taking place in developed and developing countries in the area of international student mobility.

A case study on the language and socio-cultural challenges experienced by international students studying at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

South African universities have become institutions of choice for international students, particularly those who hail from other African countries. Apart from presenting a beehive of cultures and languages, this segment of the student population makes an immense contribution in terms of research, teaching and learning. In spite of international students' contributions to scholarship and development at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, their pursuit of academic success is often impeded by an array of challenges which includes Limited English Proficiency (LEP), Limited Language Support (LLS) and Limited Access to Facilities (LAF), all of which may prevent them from gaining access to the academic discourse of their chosen discipline of study. Adopting a mixed methods approach, this study examines international students' experiences in relation to both language and socio-cultural challenges. Findings reveal that, for international students to adapt academically and socially and be in a position to fulfil the requirements of their respective academic programmes, CPUT should provide a socially inclusive teaching and learning environment. In addition, the university should provide adequate and accessible English language support programmes/projects.

How They Search, How They Feel, and How to Serve Them? Information Needs and Seeking Behaviors of Chinese Students Using Academic Libraries

ABSTRACTAmerica has become a choice for international students to study abroad because of its advanced education system and environment. Libraries become a way for international students to access resources and experience campus life, while Chinese students are increasing gradually as the biggest component of international students. This article investigates how Chinese students use American academic libraries and their information needs and seeking behaviors, as well as Chinese students' satisfaction with library facilities, resources, and services, and their expectation for other services. The article aims to better understand Chinese students, analyze their search strategies, and better provide relevant library services for them.

Choices of destination for transnational higher education: “pull” factors in an Asia Pacific market

Traditional assumptions favouring native English language countries in transnational higher education (TNHE) overlook experiences of international students in new emerging Asian education hubs. Specifically, there has been limited research relating to international students’ choice for studying in Malaysia. Drawing from the “push-pull” model of factors influencing the movement of international student destination choice, this study identifies determinants of student destination decision for TNHE. While acknowledging perceived qualities and values of individual institutions as important criteria, findings from interviews with students that are currently enrolled at international branch campuses also indicated key influences driven by “pull” factors of country image – attractive features of Malaysia, i.e. comparatively low cost of living, low tuition fees, safe country for living, stable government, modern amenities, proximity in culture and religion and freedom from discrimination – as focal motives in their choice decision. These findings provide implications for policy-makers to deploy their educational resources as well as develop effective promotional and marketing strategies in promoting the local reputation and amenities in order to attract more international students.

Student destination choices in higher education: Exploring attitudes of Brazilian students to study in the United Kingdom

Cross-border education provides evidence about international student destination choice including the push and pull model of international student choice. The research upon which this article is based, into Brazilian students’ decisions to study at universities in the United Kingdom, reveals some particular barriers such as cost, negative past relationships and family ties, and recommends raising awareness and a context-sensitive approach to enhance an interest in studying in the United Kingdom.