Opinions of International Students on Choosing a State University in a Developing Country

Abstract

In this study, factors affecting the college choice of international students (CCIS) are investigated based on the opinions of international students at a state university (Anadolu University) in Turkey. A case study design is employed and opinions of students are analyzed in accordance with whether they are scholarship or non-scholarship students. In the findings, three main themes emerge; intent to study abroad, choosing to study in Turkey, and choosing to study at Anadolu University. These themes cover several factors affecting the CCIS. In this regard, there are no critical differences between the factors affecting the opinions of scholarship and non-scholarship students. However, some factors could differentiate in accordance with the background characteristics of the students and whether they are from high-income or non-high-income countries.

Future Anxiety Among Young People Affected by War and Armed Conflict: Indicators for Social Work Practice

“…The world is witnessing a noticeable increase in international migration for higher education, and countries are competing to attract international students and internationalize their educational systems. Undoubtedly, many factors affect students’ choice of the country in which they will receive their education, the most prominent of which is the quality of education in the target country and the possibility of obtaining employment opportunities in addition to the scholarships provided by those countries ( Snoubar and Hawal, 2015 ; Özoğlu et al, 2015 ; Boyacia and Ozb, 2018 ). In choosing the country in which they will spend an important part of their life, young international students focus on a set of factors, which are often for future considerations that will help them improve their lives and secure their future.…”

You Are Welcome Here: What Campus Resources Are Needed to Recruit, Retain, and Graduate International Students at Large Universities?

“…The decision to select a destination country or institution is generally influenced by a number of factors that drive international students to leave their home countries to pursue an education abroad (Banjong & Olson, 2016). When participants decide to go abroad for education, the prestige of a foreign diploma, finding a job easily in their home country, finding better educational opportunities, learning a foreign language, and the instrumentalization of higher education to go abroad are among the pulling factors at work, whereas personal development, personal and professional interests and the role of peer social capital constitute the pushing factors (Boyacı & Oz, 2019). Additionally, cost of living; health, and safety; quality of education; scholarship and post-graduation employment opportunities are other factors affecting international students' decision (Ammigan, 2019).…”

“…The global education industry is not only one of the largest sectors worldwide but also one of the fastest developing (Euromonitor International, 2017). Boyacı & Oz (2019) stated that the volume of the global education sector would reach $568 billion dollars in 2025.…”

The Decision-Making Process in Access Paths to Master’s Degree Studies: The Case of International Students in Spain

“…Research has shown how the historical link between countries, a colonial past, or a common language [13][14][15][16][17][18][19], a deficit in training provision or the perception of the quality of training in home countries [20][21][22][23][24][25], as well as the prestige and/or reputation of host institutions [13,[26][27][28][29][30] often wrongly represented by international rankings, encourage (or maybe promote) mobility flows and the choice of certain destinations when pursuing a degree abroad.…”