Recruitment of International Students to U.S. Hospitality Graduate Programs: Students' Perceptions

Doctoral students' selection intention in Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) programs in the United States

“…Funds from a student's family were critical for international students, while personal loans were more common with domestic students. Madanoglu & Martin's (2003) study showed that reputation of the school's program contributed to students' selection of U.S. HTM graduate programs. International students categorized as ''Asian'' considered academic reputation one of the critical choice variables (Diaz & Krauss, 1996;Patton, 2000).…”

“…Fewer studies have looked at student preferences with regard to graduate programs or identified the student's perceptions and satisfaction with those programs (Gillingham et al, 1991;Madanoglu, & Martin, 2003;TepeciSeo, Upneja & DeMicco 2002). A review of these articles identified an array of elements in this regard.…”

“…The individual provides information about the program, manages the admissions process and helps the student to obtain financial support (McIntire & Willer, 1992;Hsu, 1996). The role of the program coordinator was another leading and direct reason for influencing the student's decision in selecting a graduate program (Madanoglu & Martin, 2003). International students preferred help from faculty members, faculty advisers, and counselors for education challenges more than students who were already in the United States (Leong & Sedlacek, 1986).…”

“…Family, friends, program location, and social activities contributed to international students' selection of U.S. graduate programs (Madanoglu & Martin, 2003). In their research, the safety of the community and family encouragement were influential factors.…”

Driving forces in the decision to enroll in hospitality and tourism graduate program

“…Further, increasing numbers of students are seeking to pursue their degree in HTM graduate schools (Madanoglu & Martin, 2003). Particularly in South Korea, HTM graduate programs have greatly benefited from this growth and environment (e.g., financial advantage, enhanced enrollments, increased entrance competition ratio, improved university reputation, quality graduate students, better industry connection resulted from the enlarged enrollments of senior-level hospitality practitioners) for the last two decades.…”