Factors motivating destination decisions of Chinese study abroad students

Wang, Z and Crawford, I (2021) 'Factors motivating destination decisions of Chinese study abroad students.' International Journal of Educational Management, 35 (2). pp. 408-425. ISSN 0951-354X

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Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-08-2020-0388

Abstract

Purpose:- The paper examines the effects of individual differences on the key motivational factors affecting Chinese study abroad students. Design/methodology/approach:- The current study adopts a quantitative survey approach. Students are recruited through the largest online survey provider in China. Using 335 completed questionnaires and factor analysis, the key factors influencing Chinese students are identified. Subsequently, regressions are employed to analyse the impact of age, gender, socio-economic status, previous study or travel abroad experience, degree level and location on factor scores. Findings:- This research sheds new light on the decision-making process of Chinese study abroad students. It is found that Chinese students are influenced by three key factors, social, cultural and economic environment, non-personal and personal recommendations. The results reveal that male students from the lowest socio-economic group rely on non-personal information to decide destination where they can significantly upgrade their socio-economic status. Personal recommendations are used by young persons aged between 18 and 24 and those without previous overseas travel or study experience. Originality/value:- Although prior studies explore the motivations of Chinese study abroad students, very few focus on a large sample of students both in China and abroad and identify key factors using the statistical tool factor analysis. No research has been carried out to understand the impact of personal characteristics such as age, gender, prior study or travel abroad experience, degree level and location on significant factor scores. Such analysis is crucial for the financial stability of the international higher education market, particularly during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Item Type: Article
Note:

This article was first published online in December 2020 and included in an issue in March 2021. It was submitted to REF 2021.

Keywords: study abroad, Chinese students, factor analysis, socio-economic status, age, gender
Divisions: Bath Business School
UoA: Business & Management
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-08-2020-0388
Date Deposited: 14 Dec 2020 14:58
Last Modified: 30 Nov 2023 20:16
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/13655
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