Study experiences and the post-study intentions of female international undergraduate students

The number of female international students is increasing exponentially, and whilst international study may engender many benefits and challenges, little is known about their intentions once they complete their studies. This article reviews the literature on female international students with specific focus on exploring post-study intentions. A scoping review of four electronic databases was completed. After applying criteria to determine suitability, 30 publications were included in the final review. Analysis revealed three key foci: (1) the rationale for studying internationally; (2) the study experience; and (3) post-study intentions. The literature illustrates that an international study experience has the potential to be a powerful transformative opportunity if positive experiences outweigh the negatives. The findings also indicate that the post-study intentions of female international students are under-researched. The article contends that attention should be given to supporting the needs of this group, with a view to maximizing post-study opportunities

Thai visitors’ expectations and experiences of explainer interaction within a science museum context

© The Author(s) 2015. In Western literature, there is evidence that museum explainers offer significant potential for enhancing visitors’ learning through influencing their knowledge, content, action, behaviour and attitudes. However, little research has focused on the role of explainers in other cultural contexts. This study explored interactions between visitors and museum explainers within the setting of Thailand. Two questionnaires were distributed to 600 visitors and 41 museum explainers. The results demonstrated both potential similarities and differences with Western contexts. Explainers appeared to prefer didactic approaches, focussing on factual knowledge rather than encouraging deep learning. Two-way communication, however, appeared to be enhanced by the use of a ‘pseudo-sibling relationship’ by explainers. Traditional Thai social reserve was reduced through such approaches, with visitors taking on active learning roles. These findings have implications for training museum explainers in non-Western cultures, as well as museum communication practice more generally

Education leadership in Thailand

Abstract not availabl

The relationship between Thai students' choices of international education and the influence from peers and student recruitment agencies: An empirical study

This paper explores the relationship between influencing factors from peers and agents on Thai students' choices of international education. The study classifies choices of international education into the decision to study abroad, choice of country, city, academic program, and university. The influences from peers and agents are identified as information, persuasion, and competition. The results indicate that agents exert a stronger influence than peers on Thai students' choices of international education. There is a significant positive relationship (p<.01) between choices and influencing factors, however, the degree of associations between variables are mixed. The decision making-process of international students is complex and involves various stakeholders. This information affords protagonists marketing Australian education a better understanding of choices made by international student

E-business education: a phenomenographic study of online engagement among accounting, finance and international business students

This paper examines online engagement in the business learning context among international and local students in Australia. Online engagement among business students and lecturers has long been criticized as the key problems in adopting online materials and methods in business education. In examining factors affecting online engagement in business education, the data was collected from undergraduate students in finance, accounting and international business undergraduate students. Moreover, learning and teaching techniques that enhance the quality of online engagement were also investigated in this study. Key factors include the nature of the course, technical aspects from the institutions and cultural backgrounds from the students. This study also finds roles of key stakeholders in business education such as lecturers, technicians and policy makers contributing to the level of online engagement among business student

Marketing international higher education: A case of Thai students in Australia

Education has long been one of the most important exporting services to Australia. Australia has developed its higher education resources and significantly increased its role in the international education market. The Australian government data for 2006 lists 317 909 foreign students in the Australian education institutions nationwide. This is the time when Australia is experiencing a growing overseas demand for a higher education system. Australia, therefore, needs to critically forms and ways of internationalisation in its education system. This study investigates the patterns of influence from various personal sources on the Thai students' decision to study in Australian universities. It reveals that various personal sources, such as family members, friends, relatives, agents or the Australian representatives, can influence the students' decision-making processes. Furthermore, this study also confirms the associations between the influencing sources, the students' background and the types of influence. International universities should learn to understand the international students' decision-making process, since it will help the universities to respond to the needs of the international students

A family affair: the effect of family on Thai students' choices of international education

This study examines the influence of family on Thai students' choices of international education. A qualitative phase indicated that influence from family can be slotted into one of five categories: finance, information, expectation, persuasion, and competition. The choices of international education can be classified into the decision to study abroad, choice of country, city, academic program, and of university. Subsequent quantitative analysis demonstrated that students from family with direct experience of study abroad are, themselves, subject to higher family expectation to study abroad than students from family without direct experience. The impact of social competition on students is more profound for those from Bangkok, than for those from other areas in Thailand. Furthermore, Thai students from households comprising nuclear family are more highly influenced by family than individuals from extended and alternative family households. The study has implications for marketing practices in higher education institutions, in particular those which market themselves to Thailand