Motivations, Experiences, and Guanxi: A Qualitative Study of Chinese Undergraduate Students in Northern Thailand
Keywords:
Chinese students, Thailand, Higher Education, Motivations, Student experience, Guanxi, Cross-cultural adaptation, Social mediaAbstract
This study aimed to understand the direct experiences of Chinese undergraduate students at a university in Northern Thailand and explore the factors, particularly social influences, shaping their decision to study there. Employing a qualitative design, data were collected through a focus group with 11 students and semi-structured interviews with 3 recruitment agents in China for triangulation, followed by thematic analysis. Findings revealed a complex interplay of motivations: students often made independent decisions, viewing Thai education as a “steppingstone” over domestic competition (Gaokao) to broader further education opportunities, while strong social network influences (Guanxi) were also highly prevalent. Positive tourism experiences contributed to the decision-making, while cost factors were primarily highlighted by agents. Student experiences were mixed, characterized by appreciation for the relaxed social environment and friendly interactions (“honeymoon” phase), alongside significant frustrations regarding perceived lack of academic rigor and group work challenges (“disillusionment” phase). Agents identified major recruitment challenges including safety concerns amplified by media, economic pressures in China diminishing perceived degree value, market saturation, and the critical shift towards peer influence via social media (e.g., Douyin, Xiaohongshu). The study highlighted the importance of social networks, managing academic expectations, and authentic communication strategies for Thai institutions recruiting Chinese students, contributing practical insights into contemporary student mobility and adaptation.
References
Berry, J. W. (2005). Acculturation: Living successfully in two cultures. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 29(6), 697–712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2005.07.013
Chaiyasat, C. (2020). Overseas students in Thailand: A qualitative study of cross-cultural adjustment of French exchange students in a Thai university context. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 30(8), 1060–1081. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2020.1792386
Chen, P., You, X., & Chen, D. (2018). Mental health and cross-cultural adaptation of Chinese international college students in a Thai University. International Journal of Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v7n4p133
Cheung, A., Guo, X., Wang, X., & Miao, Z. (2019). Push and pull factors influencing mainland Chinese MEd students in Hong Kong. International Journal of Educational Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijem-06-2018-0179
Fei, X., Hamilton, G. G., & Zheng, W. (1992). From the soil: The foundations of Chinese society. Univ of California Press.
Guan, L., Mok, K. H. J., & Yu, B. (2023). Pull factors in choosing a higher education study abroad destination after the massive global immobility: A re-examination from Chinese perspectives. Cogent Education, 10(1), 2199625. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2199625
Hattersley, D. J., & Nicholson, J. (2024). Unpacking the value sought by Chinese international students in UK higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 49(12), 2376–2395. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2024.2306347
Kang, S., Yossuck, P., Panyadee, C., & Ek-lem, B. (2019). Influencing factors of cross-cultural adaptation process of Chinese students studying in the upper northern Thai universities. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.2478/mjss-2019-0007
Kim, Y. Y. (2001). Becoming intercultural: An integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation. Sage.
King, P. C., & Wei, Z. (2018). The role of face in a Chinese context of trust and trust building. International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management, 18(2), 149–173. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470595818767207
Lee, C., & Morrish, S. (2012). Cultural values and higher education choices: Chinese families. Australasian Marketing Journal (Amj). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ausmj.2011.10.015
Liao, K.-H. (2016). Impact of traditional Chinese culture on business-to-business relationship marketing and service firm performance. Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing, 23(4), 277–291. https://doi.org/10.1080/1051712X.2016.1250594
Liu, S., Liang, W., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Brighter or the richer? Understanding Chinese college students’ choices to study abroad. International Journal of Educational Development, 102, 102856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2023.102856
Oberg, K. (1960). Cultural shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. Practical Anthropology, os-7(4), 177–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/009182966000700405
Rhein, D., & Phillips, B. (2024). American international students’ motivation to study abroad in Thailand. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 22(5), 790–805. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2022.2160970
Songsathaphorn, P., Chen, C., & Ruangkanjanases, A. (2014). A study of factors influencing Chinese students’ satisfaction toward Thai universities. Journal of Economics Business and Management. https://doi.org/10.7763/joebm.2014.v2.107
Wang, Z., & Crawford, I. (2021). Factors motivating destination decisions of Chinese study abroad students. International Journal of Educational Management, 35(2), 408–425. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-08-2020-0388
Ward, C., Bochner, S., & Furnham, A. (2005). The psychology of culture shock (0 ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203992258
