Factors Affecting Decision to Study in Bachelor Degree of Inbound Exchange Students under the Responsibility of the International Projects, International Relations and Communications Office, Srinakharinwirot University

Abstract

This research aims to examine the factors affecting the decision to pursue the undergraduate studies of international exchange students under the responsibility for the International Projects, International Relations and Communications, Srinakharinwirot University. This research was a cross-sectional study using a survey research method. The sample group used in the study was the undergraduate exchange students from South Korea, Japan, China, and Germany who participated in the international student with exchange program under the academic cooperation contract at Srinakharinwirot University, and were enrolled in their second through fourth years of the academic year 2024. 123 undergraduate exchange students were chosen as samples using the purposive sampling method. The statistics used in data analysis were descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, data analysis statistics to compare the difference of the mean using the t-test for dependent samples formula, and one-way ANOVA to compare the level of factors affecting the decision to study in the program.  The results found that with regard to the personal Information, the majority of the respondents were female (88 people, or 71.50 percent).  Concerning the overall factors affecting the decision to study for Undergraduate Degrees of International Exchange Students in the Academic Year 2024, the curriculum factor, with an average score of 4.89, had the highest influence on the decision to join the student exchange program. The courses offered in the international program focused on Language for Careers, which were in line with the learner needs.  In addition, the university has offered scholarships for students every academic year. In terms of the suggestions received from the open-ended question, the respondents mentioned that the program should organize the cultural exchange activities, increase funding support, and public relations, provide news information in a current and engaging manner. The results of this research indicated that the respondents overall valued the curriculum, organizing cultural conservation related events, and placing a strong emphasis on public relations. In addition, the organization of the exchange program need to incorporate these elements because each student group may have different decisions.