Factors Influencing Thai Students to Study in the UK

This case study explores the factors that influence Thai students to further their studies in the UK, specifically in Birmingham. It examines the motivations and personal factors that drive Thai students to study in the UK, such as family and friends, scholarship opportunities, and personal satisfaction with the education system.

A Case Study of the factors influencing
Thai students to further their studies
in the UK

ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this dissertation is to conduct exploratory study of different factors which
influence Thai students to complete their higher studies in Birminham, UK.
Research Methodology: For attaining aim and objectives of this research, the author has used
interpretivsim research philosophy. It is effective for completing current investigation on
different factors that can affect decisions of Thai students. For the current investigation the
author has used experimental research design because it is an effective design which provides a
meaningful answers using appropriate theory. Along with this, the author has used deductive
research approach and use hypothesis testing for checking the reliability and validity of relevant
theories for current research subject. For the current study author has applied qualitative
technique because researcher needs to understand the research concept. The researcher has
adopted secondary research measure for collecting facts and figures about the different factors
that influence the Thai students for getting higher education from UK. As per the discussion of
research strategy, the author has used qualitative technique so, study has applied only contain
single technique for analysing such kinds of facts and figures.
Conclusion: From the secondary analysis, it has concluded that there have several major
purposes behind completing higher education in Birmingham of Thai students. The most
important factors that influence Thai students to complete their higher study in UK University
are family and friends, scholarship amount of universities etc. Apart from this, personal factors
that motivate the students to study in a Birmingham university. Thai students have completely
satisfied with the education system of universities of city of Birmingham.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 1: introduction....................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Aim and objectives....................................................................................................................1
1.3 Dissertation structure.................................................................................................................1
1.4 Significance of the study...........................................................................................................2
1.5 Value of study aboard................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Literature Review...........................................................................................................4
1. Background of higher education..................................................................................................4
2. Theory..........................................................................................................................................7
3. Influence factors to students studying aboard...........................................................................10
4. Educational policies framed by UK government for migrants..................................................13
5. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................17
Chapter 3: Research methodology.................................................................................................18
4.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................18
4.2 Project rationale.......................................................................................................................18
4.3 Focus and purpose...................................................................................................................19
4.4 Research questions...................................................................................................................19
4.5 Research philosophy................................................................................................................19
4.6 Research design.......................................................................................................................20
4.7 Approach of the study..............................................................................................................22
4.8 Research strategy.....................................................................................................................22
4.9 Data collection methods..........................................................................................................23
4.10 Data analysis..........................................................................................................................23
4.11 Ethical considerations............................................................................................................24
4.12 Validity and reliability...........................................................................................................24
4.13 Research limitation................................................................................................................25
chapter 4: data analysis..................................................................................................................27
4.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................27
4.2 Thematic analysis....................................................................................................................27
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................35
5.1 Conclusions..............................................................................................................................35
5.2 Recommendations....................................................................................................................37
references.......................................................................................................................................39

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Shares of the world’s internationally mobile students, 2013...........................................5
Figure 2: Elaboration likelihood model...........................................................................................9

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Global trends in education sector have direct impact on post-graduate studies of students
in developing nations. Due to economic instabilities, some countries are facing crucial challenges
in providing qualityeducational services to students. On the other hand, some developed
countries are able to provide better educational facilities to students worldwide. India, China,
Russia, Brazil and Thailand are the major nations facing issues in providing better educational
services to their citizens. For example, a number of universities in Thailand do not provide
appropriate opportunities of placement, campus, training and other sports activities of growth
and development of students (Hazelkorn, 2015). Major reasons behind these issues are lack of
physical and financial resources as well as education development. It can be reflected from the
global trend that education from developed countries has a very high demand, as compare to
developing nations. These universities are offering appropriate educational facilities, career
opportunities, scholarships and international placements. All these features have attracted
students from developing nations to further their study in developed countries. From this
situation, the author has decided to conduct a study in this subject. Ultimately, the author would
like to disclose the actual reasons and factors that influence Thai students to further their study in
the UK universities. Regarding this, researcher has been used a very systematic process for
conducting investigation in effective manner and this process is described in the following
dissertation.
1.2 Aim and objectives
Aim:
The aim of this dissertation is to conduct exploratory study of different factors which
influence Thai students to complete their higher studies inBirminham, UK.
Research objectives
 To investigate major purposes influencing Thai students to study in Birmingham.
 To examine motivational factors of Thai students studying in Birmingham
 To explore other personal factors of Thai students which affect their decision to further
their study in Birmingham.
1.3 Dissertation structure
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In this study, the researcherwill use a systematic structure which will comprise a number
of chapters. A brief discussion of these chapters are described as under:
 Chapter 1 – Introduction: It can be considered as brief discussion of the whole research
study. It comprises aim, objectives, focus, purpose and rational of the study. It helps in
understanding the research behind this study. Further, this chapter will also provide
appropriate support in obtaining information about the framework and analysis of the
research methodology. Afterwards it also includes a systematic structure of the whole
exploration investigation (Goddard and Melville, 2004). Chapter 2 – Literature review: It is one of the most important chapters for collecting
secondary data on current research subject. This chapter will comprise historical research
studies and their findings which are relevant to the current subject. It will help in getting
insights to develop appropriate research questions for resolving research problem.
Overall, it is one of the important chapter for understanding research subject.
 Chapter 3 – Research Methodology: It comprises number of research method which will
be required for completing investigation in effective manner. It helps in completing a
whole research in effective manner. This chapter will help establishing the data collection
and analysis methods which will help in resolving research problem in effective manner
(Kumar, 2014).
 Chapter 4 – Data analysis: This chapter will comprise number of methods which will be
used by researcher for analysing facts and figures of the research subject. For the current
research study author will comprise thematic analysis method for examining collected
secondary facts and figures in effective manner. It will disclose the actual findings of the
current research study.
 Chapter 5 - Conclusion: The current study is based on different factors which are
influencing the Thai students for moving towards the UK universities for higher
education. So, it will comprise the conclusion and recommendations of the current study
which will help in completing further investigation in more effective manner (Daniel and
Sam, 2011).
1.4 Significance of the study
This researcher focuses on Thai students which are moving towards the UK universities.
Therefore, the findings of this research will be beneficial for researchers who would like to
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conduct their future research on similar subjects. Along with this, using the findings of current
study future researcher will complete research on students of other nations who are moving
towards the UK universities.
1.5 Value of study aboard
This research study will be insightful for Thai students who wish to come to the UK
fortheir higher studies. Along with this, UK universities can also use the findings of this research
to analyse behaviour of Thai students. It will help universities in taking decisions about
education facilities which can attract students. Along with this, it will disclose motivational and
personal factors of Thai students which will encourage Thai students to get better education from
foreign universities (Hayden and Thiep, 2015). It will be beneficial for understanding buyer’s
behaviour in effective manner.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review can be defined as a process of collecting secondary information about
the research subject. It plays important roles in getting insights from theoretical framework about
the research issues which will resolve it in appropriate way. Furthermore, it will also help in
conducting the whole investigation using specific research process (Coulter and Roggeveen,
2012). According to the research aim and objectives, literature will be based on different
motivational and personal factors which influence Thai students to persue the higher education in
the UK. There are a number of sources which playan importantrole in obtaining secondary
information about the current subject which will provide appropriate solution for making
meaningful conclusion for the present study. These sources include, websites of Thai and UK
universities, books, journals, articles, blogs and news (Ziderman, 2015). The author will include
different theories for analysing the current subject and determining research gap for the present
study.
1. Background of higher education
Global perspective on higher education
Knight has concluded that “Globalisation is one of the powerful factor which has direct
impact on postsecondary education” (Knight, 2015). There are a number of global trends that
have direct influence on higher education, mass enrollments, mass higher education system
around the world. These include the use of digital technologies in classroom, skilled and
experienced professors, students from different nations and international jobs. Major countries
such as India, China, Russia Brazil and Thailand are facing some challenges with respect to
higher education. Raffe and Croxford have concluded that economic growth and tertiary
education has strong relationship with each other (Raffe and Croxford, 2015). There are specific
measures which have reflected that higher education is increasing in developed countries as
compare to developing nations. These include that that knowledge based employment is higher
in developed nation. Including this, number of white collar and high skilled employees is
increasing more rapidly (Global Flow of Tertiary-Level Students, 2016). The global trend of
higher education is in a very high demand in developed countries, as compare to developing
nations which, in turn, attract students of growing countries towards the higher education system
of developed nation.
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Lao has concluded that “United states are generating largest revenue, approximately
$10billion in the year of 2000 from the export of education services” (Lao, 2015). Most of the
students around the world would like to be educated in United States of America. To further
explain, developed countries, such as the Unites States, are providing effective means of higher
education to students by providing them practical exposure and well defined infrastructure for
creating international competitions for other countries.However, these educational services are
very costlybecause it requires significant budget to maintain a good image and quality in
education industry; as a result, the total cost of education services or tuition fee will be increased.
Figure 1: Shares of the world’s internationally mobile students, 2013
(Source: International Higher Education in Facts and Figures, 2016)
There are top ten countries which are considered as destination countries for mobile
students of under developed nations (Sivarnee, 2013). These are United States (19.4% of total
mobile students), United Kingdom (10.3%), Australia (6.2%), France (5.7%), Germany (4.9%),
Russian Federation (3.4%), Japan (3.4%), Canada (3.4%), China (2.4%) and Italy (2.4%). There
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are a number of countries which are considered as origin of mobile students at where more
students studying abroad more than their home countries. These include China (712,157 students
studying abroad), India (181,872), Germany (119,123), Republic of Korea (116,942), France
(84,059), Saudi Arabia (73,548), United States (60,292), Malaysia (56,260), Viet Nam (53,546)
and Nigeria (52,066) (Bertrand and et.al, 2009). Thailand is one of the Southeast Asian countries
facing issues in providing best services to students who are required higher education. Therefore,
Thai students also move towards the other nations.
Coulter and Roggeveen have concluded that “There are a number of factors and attributes
which influence the global education system” (Coulter and Roggeveen, 2012). As per this
statement, these attributes include international economic competition, recession, endowment
funds, high demand of higher education, lack of capacity of public sector to improve the higher
education system, adaptability and flexibility universities, etc (Cheong and Morrison, 2008).
Comparison between Higher education in Thailand and UK
Critically analysing the major reasons behind the movement of Thai students to the UK
for getting higher education. In order to understand research issue in effective manner, the author
needs to make comparison between education systems of both countries. A Review of literature
has helped in completing this comparative study. Douglas et.al, 2015 has concluded that
“Education system of Thailand is one of the worst systems in Southeast Asia because of poor
educational facilities for students”. As per this statement, Thai students cannot get better quality
of higher education because its education system is not appropriate and also is associated with
the number of drawbacks. Plagued by inadequate financial resources is one of the major
limitation which compromise the quality of the education facilities in Thailand. Along with this,
huge class size, lack of skills and experience of teachers, lazy students and inappropriate system
also forcesteachers to pass students even they actually fail (Lao, 2015). These are the major
problems of the higher educational system of Thailand (Bashar, Ahmad and Wasiq, 2013).
Furthermore, Thai universities don’t provide appropriate placement opportunities, campus
facilities, training and other sports activities which help in students’development. All of these
limitations reduce the attraction level of Thai students towards the higher education in Thai
universities; instead, it draws Thai students’ attention towards foreign universities (Education in
Thailand, 2016).
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2. Theory
Motivation of study aboard
Hazelkorn has asserted that “there are number of reasons and factors which motivates
students to move towards the foreign countries for getting higher education” (Hazelkorn, 2015).
As per this statement, motivational factors influence increase the mobility of students from one
nation to another for the study purpose. Hayden and Thiephave stated that “Study at a university
with a strong international reputation is the major motivation for foreign students in prospect of
higher education” (Hayden and Thiep, 2015). This means there are a number of universities
which are respected worldwide and have strong reputation in education industry; therefore,
students would like to take part in these universities. So, motivational factor can be considered as
major factor. On the other hand, Altbachhas concluded that “Some student wants experience
their life in a different culture” (Altbach, 2015). This statement reflects that most students wants
to improve their skills by living in different culture and many of the employers provides high
value to international and intercultural skills. Hoever, Birnbaum has disclosed that “there are a
number of countries which charge high tuition fees for higher education, so it is one of the
negative factors which may influence students to move towards those universities which are
providing benefits by scholarships and low tuition fees” (Birnbaum, 2015). Therefore, some
students from developing nation attracted by education system of developed nation take
advantages of scholarship and low tuition fees from higher education in developed countries. In
addition,Baccarani and Brunettihas stated that “proficiency in language skills and international
professional networks are also included in the motivational factors to study in abroad”
(Baccarani and Brunetti, 2015). Therefore, literature review has reflected that thre is a number of
factors influencingstudents to get study to abroad. These factors are studying at the most
reputation international university, increasing knowledge of different culture, benefits from
scholarship and tuition fees, improvement in language skills and building international
professional network.
Consumer behaviour
Hollensenhas concluded that “Consumer behaviour can be defined as an approach which
helps in determining the way by which individuals buy and use particular merchandise and
services” (Hollensen, 2015). Therefore, customer behaviour analysis will help in analysing the
needs and requirements, taste, choice and preferences of students. As per the current study, major
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objective of the research is analysing the behaviour of students at the time of selecting
universities for higher education. Regarding this, the author has decided to use economic model
which plays important role in analysing customer bahaviour. Economic model is based on some
basic assumption such as allocation of customer’s fund is based on purchasing power and needs
and requirements (Tilak, 2015). On the basis of the price of the products and services, customers
decide their priorities. Therefore, as per this model economic condition of students may help in
analysing their bahaviour in effective manner. Alvesson and Benner have concluded that price,
substitute and income are the major base of this model (Alvesson and Benner, 2016). As per this
statement, price effect has direct impact on bahaviour of students at the time of selection of
foreign universities. High prices reduce the level of attraction of students. Nevertheless, at
present all students have several options for higher education, so these substitutes may reduce the
interest of students towards a particular university. Therefore, substitution effect may also
influence consumerbahaviour. Along with this, level of income is one of the major factors which
may affect the purchase decisions of students. Overall, economic model plays important role in
analysing the bahaviour of Thai students at the time of selecting foreign universities for their
higher education (Ford, 2015).
Buyer decision
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Figure 2: Elaboration likelihood model
(Source: Elaboration Likelihood Model, 2016)
As per the review of literature, there are a number of factors which may influence the
decisions of customers in positive as well as negative manner. Elaboration likelihood model
(ELM) of persuasion is one of the important models which helps in analysing the decision
making process. The researcher uses this model for analysing the buyer’s decision towards the
different product and services. These model is also known as dual process theory which helps in
describing the changes of attitude form of individuals (Elaboration Likelihood Model, 2016). To
illustrate, the process of stimuli is the major aim of this model which helps in determining that
why these stimuli is used and their outcomes on changes in attitudes. As per this model,
customers can take decisions on the basis of the two different routes; central routes and
peripheral routes. Central route helps in getting an appropriate persuasion which is based on
careful and thoughtful considerations of person. Central route includes the high level
involvement of individuals which provides a cognitive response and these response is based on
the belief and attitude change of person (Altbach, 2016). All these aspects change individually
according to the person, which leads to changes in the bahaviour of individuals. Therefore, any
customer who takes decisions on the basis of central route, it will then be a result of the high
involvement of customers and their beliefs and attitude. But on the other hand, if any customers
who takes decisions on the basis of peripheral route, then these decisions are based on low
involvement of individuals and person does not examine all factors carefully and attitude of
individuals might change as per the presence of persuasive cues. Therefore, the elaboration
likelihood model (ELM) has reflected that central route is more effective as compare to
peripheral route, because it helps in making more effective decisions for any situation (Coulter
and Roggeveen, 2012). Therefore, on the basis of the involvement and route of the decision
making process of student, researcher can analyses the buyer’s decisions.
The current research study has chosen four leading universities of Birmingham which
have large number of students from Thailand and other nations. These are University of
Birmingham (UOB), University College Birmingham (UCB), Birmingham City University
(BCU) and Aston University (Douglas et.al, 2015). These universities use appropriate methods
of marketing and advertisement which attract number of students to get higher education to these
universities. For example, UOB focuses on sports activities to attract foreign students because in
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Thailand higher education does not focus on sports activities. So, advertisement on sports and
other activities attract Thai students towards the UK universities for Higher education. Along
with this, UOB also pays attention towards increasing quality of the higher education (Birnbaum,
2015). All these elementsare communicated by this universities on social media marketing
profile, which helps attracting students. On the other hand, UCB attracts students by providing
careers and job prospects. For example, UCB advertises their higher education courses in
Thailand by providing career planning and decision making, option with subject and degree,
developing portfolio, networking with employers. Therefore, career growth and opportunities are
considerd as major marketing and advertisement strategies of UCB to attract international
students from Thailand (Raffe and Croxford, 2015).
In contrast, Birmingham City University pay high attention towards the marketing
activities because international students are the major part of this university. For attracting
foreign students, BCU has developed an international profile of the university and identify the
new development opportunities (Lao, 2015). Along with this, it develops strong communication
and negotiation with international market for making global positioning. For marketing purpose,
it will focus on advertisement, web, mail shots, agent relations and publications and so on. These
are the most attractive offers and marketing strategies which are used by BCU for attracting Thai
students (Hazelkorn, 2015). In contrast, Aston University focuses on the promotional mix for the
purpose of marketing, it attracts global students by using promotional offers such as concession
in tuition fees on the basis of ranking and past educational performance. In addition, scholarship
for international students is one the major strategy which can influence students of Thailand to
take admission in Aston for higher education. Overall, all these UK universities in Birmingham
use various marketing strategies to attract Thai Students (Cheong and Morrison, 2008).
3. Influence factors to students studying aboard
Bashar, Ahmad and Wasiq have concluded that there are a number of factors which can
influence the bahaviour of customers towards the different organisation (Bashar, Ahmad and
Wasiq, 2013). As per this, number of attributes which are relevant to the education industry may
affect the decision of students to get the study from home or foreign countries. Bertrand et.al
asserted that “Black box model is one of the important tools for understanding the bahaviour of
customers because it includes some major aspects such as marketing stimuli, environmental
stimuli, buyer’s characteristics, decision making and buyer’s response” (Bertrand and et.al,
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2009). Therefore, black box model will play an important role in understanding students’
behaviour at the time of making study from abroad. This model will also play an important role
in identifying the major reason why Thai students are influencing towards UK universities for
their higher education. Alvesson and Bennerconcluded that “Black box model is and effective
tool for anaslysing customer bahaviour and it includes interaction between stimuli, customer’s
characteristics, decision making process and customer response” (Alvesson and Benner, 2016).
As per this model, marketing mix, including product, price, place and promotion, is one of the
major tool which helps determining the factors associated with the marketing and advertisement
of education system of different nation. As per these factors, education system of foreign
countries that provides educational services with reasonable price and offered valuable benefits
attract students of other nation to study in abroad. On the other hand, this model also represent
some environmental stimuli which can influence the customer’s decision making process and
these include economic, technological, political, cultural, demographic and natural factors
(Baccarani and Brunetti, 2015). All these factors are very important for growth and development
of a nation. A developed nation can offer more productive education services to students as
compare to developing country; as a result, it can also be considered as a major factor
influencing students’ decision.
Along with this, buyer’s characteristics can influence consumer behaviour at the time of
decisions making. These include attitude, motivation, perception, personality, lifestyle and
knowledge (Altbach, 2015). Therefore, all these characteristics also play an important role in
decision making process of all Thai students who would like to come to the UK for further
studies. Fordhas asserted that “most of the time decision making process of students may also
affect the final purchase decision” (Ford, 2015). As per the buyer’s decision making process,
there are a number of stages which are followed by customers at the time for deciding
universities which are recognition of problem, searching information, alternative evaluation,
purchase decision and post purchase bahaviour. With regard to this process, before making any
final decision to study in abroad students need to recognise problem of studying higher education
in their home country. Along with this, students should research for appropriate information for
the foreign universities and their services. Afterwards they should evaluate the available options.
These processes help students in making a strong and beneficial decision for their higher
education. Therefore, all these factors can influence the response of customers or students
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towards the choice of product brand, universities, time of enrolment and fees of education
service (Hayden and Thiep, 2015).
Overall Black box model plays a very significant role in determining all those factors
which can influence the decision of students. After understanding the concept of this model
major factors are described as under: Internal and psychological factors: motivation level, perception and attitude towards the
universities and education system of the home and foreign countries have direct influence
on the decision of students. Motivation towards foreign education acts as a driving force
which can easily attract students (Hollensen, 2015). Along with this, international skilled
and educated students are highly in demand for employment in most countries as there is
a positive perception of international students mind. This perception also affects the
decision of students. Perception of students may occur due to subjectivity, categorisation,
selectivity, expectation and past experience. Positive perception influences students to
enrol in foreign universities and negative perception discourage students to take
admission in foreign countries (Tilak, 2015). Social factors: There are a number of family and social factors which may influence the
decisions of students at the time of selection universities for their higher education. These
include family, reference group, role and status. Family can change the personality,
attitude, characteristics and evaluation criteria for different things (Douglas et.al, 2015).
This means every student evaluates different universities on the basis of these
characteristics, thus all these factors can influence the decision of students. On top of this,
reference groups may also affect the decisions of students and these groups are
membership, secondary group, primary and normative groups, dissociative and formal
group. Referral group can provide appropriate reference to students to get enrollment in a
particular university. Similarly, some students choose to study in foreign universities in
order to maintain role and status of family. Overall social groups and family members
and their decisions play an important role in student’s decisions (Bashar, Ahmad and
Wasiq, 2013). Economic factors: Cheong and Morrisonhas asserted that “at present most of the students
pay attention towards the tuition fees and scholarship amount of the different
universities” (Cheong and Morrison, 2008). Economic factors which can directly
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influence the student’s decisions. In most of the developing nations, income level of
student’s family is very low as compare to family of developed nation. This signifies that
students would prefer universities which offer low tuition fees for higher education.
Therefore, economic factor plays a very significant role in student’s decisions (Bertrand
and et.al, 2009). Personal factors: Age, income, lifestyle, education wants, career goals and income are
considered as some personal factor which can affect the choice of students. Any students
who wants to complete their study from abroad focus on international universities for
higher education. So, these wants and requirements of individuals also affect the
decisions of students (Raffe and Croxford, 2015). Some of the students wants to start and
grow their career in international market and this type of career goals have direct
influence on decisions of students. Overall, all these personal factors can influence
student’s decisions.
 Marketing factors: There are a number of marketing and promotional activities used by
organisations for attracting customers (Hayden and Thiep, 2015). As per this statement,
most of the universities use those advertisement channel and marketing activitieswhich
can attract students of developing nation. Hazelkornhas concluded that “some universities
attracts students by offering attractive future placements” (Hazelkorn, 2015). Along with
this, most universities provide additional discounts and scholarship to foreign students for
attracting them. In addition, univeristies also use different strategies for developing
strong brand image and brand positioning. Therefore, all these marketing and
advertisements of different universities have direct impact on student’s decisions at the
time of deciding universities for higher studies (Birnbaum, 2015).American universities
have adopted the similar meausres to attract students to the country and its eduction
system.
4. Educational policies framed by UK government for migrants
According to Altbach“UK is one of the famous tourist destinations in the world which
increases its opportunity to be selected as best destination education” (Altbach, 2015). The new
trend of destination education has emerged as a new concept which steals the interest of all the
students who aspires to make their career in different fields after completing their basic and
mandatory education. UK government always promote education field as they in its quality
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oriented universities and the aesthetic beauty of the country. UK provides educational facilities
to foreign students in order to gain education from recognised universities (Baccarani and
Brunetti, 2015). There are different educational fields such as science, commerce, hospitality and
tourism, pharmaceuticals and technology. The support of UK government is immense in order to
assist the overall educational department in different aspects such as financial, human resource,
contribution and other kinds of services that facilitates the educational department (Alvesson,
and Benner, 2016). Various facilities to support the organization by taking external as well as
internal support which assist in the overall development which increases the existing conditions
of the economy, The development of educational department in terms of education will help the
country by forming several committees and nonprofit organization also clubbed with the
economy in order to support the society by enrolling more number of students to promote
cultural diversity (Bashar, Ahmad and Wasiq, 2013).
From the point of view of Birnbaum, the success reasons behind the immense
development of overall economy by imposing various schemes and policies for all the students in
the form of immigrants who visits the UK (Birnbaum, 2015). There several cities in which the
most famous place for education is London which is also regarded as the heart of this cities is
centrally located in the UK which provides different variety of educational services. It has been
discovered from the recent study which also discovered that UK government involves in the
integration practice which also draw attention towards the previous practices which has amended
in the current session (Coulter and Roggeveen, 2012). This current session is a revised version of
all the policies issued by the government for the improvement of students who visited UK as
immigrant to search for job or educational purpose. The youngsters also find programmes which
offer benefit to an individual such as enrolling in the job along with the opportunities of earn
while learning. It is also famous trend operates in the whole UK where this trends able to attract
wide number of students for complete their higer education. It has boost the economy of the
country along with the education facilities provided to an individual. The approaches taken by
the Migration advisory committee is to gain the interest of the determinants as the direct weapon
is to influence them by providing counseling services to form their career in a right direction
(Douglas, Douglas, McClelland and Davies, 2015).This advisory authorities has framed policies
and procedures to attract different set of customers such as students and teachers who came from
outside to make their career in different stream. The legal services provided by the government
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of UK can be relieved in the form of simplifying the visa giving process, cost of ticket,
availability of accommodation services all should be included in the course fees offered to the
students as this will attract huge number of customers. The policies of the government have give
more emphasisthree different aspects such as national identity, immigrant outcomes and
successful communities (Ford, 2015). Integration is that concept which is essential part of this
process as the policies and measures may be deployed by an economy in its correct place in
order to obtain good response from their applicants. The issuance of national identity is that
measure in which every immigrant has their own identity which symbolizes that an applicant
visited to another country will represent their overall country then in that case the immigration
rules may get differentiated as per the relationship of country with the origin country of the
candidate (Hayden and Thiep, 2015). This strict rules symbolize the event happen in form of
crisis such as rise of far right, anti-immigrant political movement which are primarily related
with pre-determined cultural threats imposed on western societies. Another aspect of integration
approach is the outcomes generated of immigrants as it refers to the final outcome in order to
create jobs in the form of employment generation opportunities which invites several
applications from outside the UK to gain the energy and enthusiasm of the candidate and their
determination for a job will also prove beneficial for the whole economy of UK (Hazelkorn,
2015.). The job opportunities provided to a person without seeing their background as in order to
promote social equality it is not the right step taken by the economy as this will ruin their overall
working conditions. Ban on employment opportunities in UK is a significant example for the
same.Verification will be one of the part of the employment purpose as it is the basic right of an
entity is to conduct verification study in which closer review has been conducted in order to
identify facts regarding the background of the family of an employee to ensure that employee
will join the organization or enrolled for programmed of the education will be as per the standard
criteria. The interest of an organization will not be affected. The successful communities is
another aspects that is local or neighborhood integration approach. The local residents can best
support the overall working conditions of the economy (Hollensen, 2015.). The local can
contribute more in the development their internal services by collaborating with the economic
and run as per the different economical functions performed by an enterprise which is also
regarded as one of the best approach in the compliance of all the rules and regulations so that the
interest of the economy can be accomplish without compromising with their desired aims and
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targets. The decision taken by the economy to integrate their business operations with another
strong economy on the basis of their efficient policies that will be complied by their personnel as
well as their residents or citizens who are equally responsible for contributing more in the event
of integration process (Knight, 2015). The immigrant integration policy has been applied in the
economy to benefit all the external enrolled persons with an aim to get admission in good
university to from their career and boost their career along with good employment. The basic aim
of a person to get enrolled in best programmed which helps an individual in refinish their
knowledge in order to increase their skills and talent which further helps a person to get job
among competitive rivals. Scholarships are provided by the government is another policy to
attract huge number of students towards the recognized and best faculty of the university (Lao,
2015). Scholarships will be offered by the government in order to financially support the
immigrants who migrate from other place in search of good future directed course that let an
individual higher job with assured income and leads the society by getting status. Bid courses
like Chartered accountant, Chief financial analyst will provide actual status in the society along
with pride and helps a person to become the shine of culture. The immigrant policy states that
citizens of UK will be given high preference as compared to the other citizens as their main aim
is to promote the educational fields by offering variety of services related to the education
(Martin and Guerin, 2006). The interest of the citizens of UK will be promoted by providing high
preference of scholarships and other policies to the peoples of the UK as a country will; support
their own citizens to boost the income of their economy as the employment revenue will be
stored in the country's treasure.
Equality and human rights policy- The fundamental right of an individual is to get basis
educational right which is a common right of a person which should not be discriminated due to
cultural background, race, caste and religion of a person. The government is a democratic entity
who are also elected by the majority votes of the public as they are responsible to create rules
and regulations to promote their society as they are solely responsible towards them as they are
the only people who make modification in the policies and measures which are framed for an
entity (Raffe and Croxford, 2015). The equality policy suggest that the previous measures will be
reinforced with a clear aim to benefit the society by amending the existing rules to provide
services to support the society as they are solely responsible for creating a perfect balance among
the educational services and the existing services offered by the economy. These regulations act
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also suggests that all kinds of people will be offered with different educational services such as
fellowships and other scholarships services without seeing their caste systems as a democratic
country no discriminationshould be imposed on the part of the government (Tilak, 2015).
5. Conclusion
From the above literature review, it can be concluded that there are a number of global
trends that have direct influence on higher education, mass enrolments, mass higher education
system around the world. India, China, Russia Brazil and Thailand are facing some challenges
with respect to higher education. While, developed countries, such as the Unites States, are
providing effective means of higher education to students by providing them practical exposure
and well defined infrastructure for creating international competitions for other countries. There
are a number of factors which can influence the behaviour of students towards the selection of
university for further studies. These are marketing stimuli, environmental stimuli, buyer’s
characteristics, decision making and buyer’s response.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4.1 Introduction
Methodology of the research is one of the major elements for any investigation because it
includes a number of methods, tools and techniques for completing investigation in an effective
manner (Martin and Guerin, 2006). These methods plays an important role in collecting
appropriate facts and figures about distinct factors influencing Thai students to complete their
higher education in UK. For example, employing sampling technique can assist the researcher in
choosing the right sampling tactic and sample unit to collect the primary information. Research
methodology is crucial as it resolves research problem in effective manner. Furthermore, there
are a number of research methods which are very effective in conducting in-depth research on
different factors which can influence Thai students. Researcher will comprise appropriate
philosophy, design, approach, strategy for completing investigation in appropriate manner. For
instance, different data collection methods can be employed to gather the information from
various sources. Moreover, research type can help the investigator whether research is qualitative
or quantitative. Along with this, this chapter will also comprise suitable methods for collecting
facts and figures and will also use tool for analysing data in an appropriate way. Therefore,
methodology of the research is one of the most important chapters for completing an
investigation in this research topic.
4.2 Project rationale
Studying abroad has become a growing trend worldwide. It is affecting the growth and
development of countries in terms of shortage of skilled and educated staff because their students
are moving to foreign universities to study. As per the survey and data of reportsSource?, it can
be said that most students try to get education at UK universities (Why choose UK higher
education?, 2016).The stated counrties has improved its education industry significantly. The
attractive factors and high quality services of foreign universities are motivating students of
developing nations to complete furtherstudies in overseas.These include career growth and
development, skilled and experienced professors and digital education system. It is an issue now
because Thai students are moving towards the UK universities for higher education.
It is worth mentioning that the issue of brain drain created a crucial impact on the
economy of the nation. Therefore, study in foreign countries could be a major concern for
developing nation. This is because if young generation move to foreign countries to obtain
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further education and career, it willthen reduce the growth and development of home countries
because of the shrtage of talent. As such, the Thai Government is investing huge amount of
money in improving education system in Thailand. Still, there are an increasing number of Thais
wishing to further their study in UKuniversities. From this, the researcher would like to probe
and analyse influential factors, and therefore, this subject has become a center of this research.
In order to investigatethis issue further, the researcher will focus on existing information
of Thai students. Along with this, the author will alsotry to exploreanumber of factors which are
influencing students to obtain higher education from UK universities. Regarding this, researcher
will use various theories and models, which will help in resolving research questions in an
effective manner. Along with this, this study would be beneficial to those readers who are
interested in the area of studying aboard and or thosw who try to understand the factors that
influence the decision making process of Thai students.
4.3 Focus and purpose
Identifying factors influencing Thai students to chose UK universities is the main aim for
this study. In order to achieve this aim, the research will focus on motivational and personal
factors of Thai students which could affect their decisions to further their study in Birmingham.
Along with this, the author will also focus on major reason why Thai students are not interested
in Thai universities. Focus will also be given on a number of attractive factors of UK universities
to establish an understanding of certain attributes that attract Thai students to come to the UK.
4.4 Research questions
1. What are the major purposes of Thai students who study in Birmingham?
2. What are the motivational factors of Thai students studying in Birmingham?
3. Which personal factors of Thai students affect their decision to further their study in
Birmingham?
4.5 Research philosophy
Research philosophy deals with sources, development of knowledge and nature of the
study. Selecting the right research philosophy for this investigation is critical as it will have an
impact on the final outcome of the study and practical implications of the theory (Daniel and
Sam, 2011). In-depth investigation in different factors influencing Thai students’ decision on
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choosinguniversity for their higher education decisions is one of the major benefits of the
research philosophy (Sobh and Perry, 2006). There are two types of research: paradigm
positivism and interpretivism. Positivism research philosophy focuses on the objectives of the
research, while interpretivismfocuses on discovering the untruth of the particular topic. It is a
structure method which combines logical deduction with precise empirical observations. In other
words, positivism research philosophy helps the researcher to understand only factual knowledge
that can be gained from the observations (Fiegen, 2010). Under this, the role of the investigator
becomes limited to data collection and their interpretation to draw a valid conclusion. Along with
this, in the positivism research philosophy, an investigation considers the research findings that
are quantifiable and observable.
On the other hand, interpretivism research philosophy shed lights on subjective aspect of
the research including different theories and models. It includes human elements during the study
because it relies on how the researcherinterprets information acquired through a research. The
outcomes from the following philosophy becomes realistic and closer to the research questions
(Flick, 2011). As per the interpretivism research framework, as people cannot be separated from
their knowledge, in the same way, the researchers cannot be apart from their research topic. The
finding from the cited philosophy is valid and reliable in the nature. Along with this, the results
are personal so that it is not important to define them in general manner.
For attaining aim and objectives of this research, the author has used interpretivsim
research philosophy. It is effective for completing current investigation on different factors that
can affect decisions of Thai students. Further, it is also used by researchers for generating and
testing hypothesis. Along with this, author has used interpretivsim because it is effective for
using qualitative data analysis methods (Goddard and Melville, 2004). On the other hand, the
selected research philosophy has covered the wide range of information related to the aim of the
study to make the final outcomes of the investigation more effective. Therefore, for getting
answers of the research question author has used positivism research philosophy (Kumar, 2014).
4.6 Research design
Research design can be defined as the overall strategy that the researcher applies to
integrate the different elements of the study in a coherent and logical manner. It enables the
researcher to effectively address the research problem. Research design can be considered as a
blueprint for the collection of data and its assessment. It prepares an outline of how an
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investigation would take place (Kumar, 2014). Along with this, research design provides
assistance in obtaining facts and figures in effective manner. There are three specific types of
research designs: descriptive, exploratory and experimental research design. Descriptive research
design is generally selected by researchers for theoretical subject and investigation (Goddard and
Melville, 2004). It defines characteristics of a population that being a part of the investigation. It
is useful in those subjects where it is not possible to measures the large number of samples. The
aim of the descriptive research design is to highlight the current issues through a process of data
collection. This is because it enables the scholar to define the situation in more effective manner
(Lillis, 2008). On the other hand, exploratory research explores the research questions and does
not help in drawing a final conclusion on the basis of the findings. It helps in determining the
nature of the problem with better understanding of the research problem. Exploratory research
can be considered the initial research that creates a base for more conclusive study. It also helps
in determining the research design, sampling methods and data collection techniques (Martin and
Guerin, 2006). While experimental research design leads to a change in findings or behaviour
for the participants of the study. Under this, the researcher assigns respondents to various
situations, measures the variables of interest and try to keep control over the confounding
variables. For this, the scholars need to think over the best way to arrange the variables that can
be assessed and the chosen statistic method can help in to answer the research questions.
Experimental research design is generally used by author in order to attaining new findings about
the research subject which have not disclosed yet and required lots of attention at the time of
investigation (Sobh and Perry, 2006).
Similarly, casual research design plays important role in determining cause and effective
relationship between research variables. For the current investigation the author has used
experimental research design because it is an effective design which provides a meaningful
answers using appropriate theory. It is an effective tool for developing research plan for
analysing different factors than can influence Thai students towards UK higher educations.
Along with this, it is dependent on the useful facts which have been collected by researcher using
suitable data collection technique that is from secondary data collection (Flick, 2011). The
chosen research design has helped the researcher to effectively develop groundwork for the
present study that can aid the future studies on the same topic.
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4.7 Approach of the study
Research approach is an effective tool for conducting research either in general or
specific manner. It can be considered as the master plan that specifies the methods and process of
data collection and its analysis for the research study (Vaivio, 2008). This helps in testing
existing theory and developing new theories for the investigation. There are specifically two
types of the research approach: inductive and deductive research approach (Fiegen, 2010).
Inductive approach is concerned with the development of new theories on the basis of the
contemporary data. Under this, the investigation starts with the theories and observation and end
with the outcomes of the collected data. Here, there is no hypothesis use in the study and the
investigator can be free to alter the direction of the study after the research process had
commenced. The aim of inductive research approach is to generate meaningful outcomes from
the set of gather information from various source of information (Daniel and Sam, 2011). For the
current investigation the author will use deductive research approach and use hypothesis testing
for checking the reliability and validity of relevant theories for current research subject. This
approach is analytical and simple to use because it simplified the complex problem by dividing
them into different parts. Along with this, it plays an important role in economic analysis which
has helped in determining different factors of two distinct economies of decisions of Thai
students about their higher education. Hypothesis testing has helped in attaining objectives in
appropriate manner (Sobh and Perry, 2006).
4.8 Research strategy
Every research needs to select an appropriate technique or strategy to accomplish
researchain an objectoves, which in this case it is to investigate and alanyse the impact of
different motivational and personal factors of Thai students and their decisions making process
towards their higher education. There are two different techniques which can help in getting
solution of research problem and these are qualitative and quantitative research strategy
(Goddard and Melville, 2004). Qualitative research techniques focuses on different theories and
models which can provide assistance in understanding the research subject in appropriate
manner. It is an effective strategy to understand the subjective concept of the topic. On the other
hand, quantitative research strategy has played an important role in conducting and analysing
survey in appropriate manner. It is an effective tool for examining collected information in
appropriate manner. For the current study author has applied qualitative technique because
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researcher needs to understand the research concept. It has helped researcher in gaining more
detailed and rich data in the form of theoretical and subjective data. Overall, the selected
research strategy has helped in resolving research issue in appropriate way (Kumar, 2014).
4.9 Data collection methods
Collection of data is one of the important stage for understanding and resolving research
issue and appropriate manner. A number of methods are available for obtaining data such as
primary and secondary data collection tool. Primary data collection technique is important for
gathering new and fresh information about the research subject. On the other hand, secondary
data collection method is generally applied by author for collecting historical information which
have already disclosed by other researchers in past. The author has adopted secondary resreach
measure for collecting facts and figures about the different factors that influence the Thai
students for getting higher education from UK (Flick, 2011). Obtaining secondary data collection
method has helped in collecting past and historical information about the research subject have
already discovered by other researchers.The author has used number of sources for getting
historical data such as literature review, books, journals, websites, articles and books, etc (Sobh
and Perry, 2006). Therefore, all these sources have provided suitable insights to understanding
research problem and making final hypothesis for attaining research objectives. Overall, selected
data collection procedures have provided appropriate assistance in getting suitable information
about the whole research.
4.10 Data analysis
After collecting facts and figures author needs to examine these information using
appropriate tools and techniques (Whiteley and Whiteley, 2006). These methods are known as
data analysis tools. In short, it is a process of data interpretation which plays a very significant
role in getting appropriate findings for making final conclusion for the whole investigation. As
per the discussion of research strategy, the author has used qualitative technique so, study has
applied only contain single technique for analysing such kinds of facts and figures. For
conducting exploratory research study researcher has used both thematic and statistical analysis
methods. In which thematic analysis is used by researches for examining subjective information
and statistical analysis is applied by author for analysing numerical data (Martin and Guerin,
2006). Thematic analysis helps in completing qualitative research study in effective manner. It
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comprises number of themes, graphs, charts and diagrams for analysing facts and figures in
effective manner. But on the other hand, for resolving research issue and determining factors
which are influencing Thai students towards the UK universities researcher has applied statistical
method. Researcher has used hypothesis testing for analysing collected information in
appropriate manner. These technique have helped in analysing numerical information in most
effective manner (Lillis, 2008). Overall, data analysis process has helped in getting answer of
every research question and resolved research issue in more appropriate manner (Goddard and
Melville, 2004).
4.11 Ethical considerations
Maintaining research ethics is one of the critical task for researcher which helps in
making difference between right and wrong. According to the research ethics author needs to
select and topic for investigation which have not yet covered by any researcher. Author has
selected a contemporary research subject on which no one have completed the same
investigation (Kumar, 2014). Along with this, generally ethical issues are relevant to primary and
secondary data collection methods. Such as, at the time of primary data collection safety and
security of personal information of all participants is one of the major ethical issue. For
managing this issue researcher has assured about the use of only those survey data which are
required for determining different factors which can influence Thai students to take admission in
UK universities. Therefore, author has maintained safety and security of all personal information
of each and every participants (Vaivio, 2008). Therefore, ethical considerations about the
primary data collection methods have helped in improving the worth of the current investigation.
On the other hand, secondary data collection method is also linked with the most crucial issues
which is plagiarism. So, for reducing the chances of this issue and maintaining research ethics
author has completed the whole research report in own words. Along with this, author has used
appropriate references and citations of all researcher evidences which have used by author for
conducting literature. Therefore, author has maintained all research ethics in effective manner
(Flick, 2011).
4.12 Validity and reliability
Reliability means to the extent to which assessments are reliable. In simple terms, when a
researcher performs the same investigation on the same situation again and again and the
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outcome generated from this is always same then it is called reliability of the information. On the
other hand, validity means the entire experimental concept that helps in meet the expected
outcome of the research (Flick, 2011). For the present study, the researcher has ensures the
validity and reliability of the data, sources collected for information, tools for data analysis etc.
To gather the primary data, the scholar has prepared a questionnaire which is reliable because the
generated information has free from the manipulation. Along with this, for secondary data
collection, the investigator has considered some reliable sources such as part research, articles
etc. Further, in order to calculate the collected data, SPSSS tools and Microsoft software has
been used by the investigator (Goddard and Melville, 2004). These techniques have reliable
because they have computerized methods so that chances of mistakes during data analysis have
minimized. On the other hand, from the validity aspect, the researcher has been considered the
secondary data after the 2000 year into the consideration.
4.13 Research limitation
The researchers deal with few limitations at the time of carrying out an investigation. It
becomes decrease the scope of the study and makes impact on end result of the research. By
considering the present investigation, the scholar has faced some research limitations which are
as follows:
Formulation of research aim and objectives: The researcher has faced the issues during
the formulation of the aim and objectives. The scholar has unable to keep the focus of the study
on the identified research problem. This might be reduced the effectiveness of the investigation
(Kumar, 2014).
Selection of data collection methods: On the basis of the developed aim and objectives,
the researcher has faced dilemma regarding the selection of appropriate research methodologies.
If the scholar has chosen incorrect research techniques would affect the final outcomes of the
present study.
Implementation of data collection methods: In the context of the present investigation,
the researcher has not able to select and implement the data collection methods because he has
not experience in this area (Vaivio, 2008).
Rather than the above stated limitations, the other limitations that have faced by the
researcher at the time of carrying of the investigation are use of secondary data, interpretation
done by author and presentation of outcomes. At the time of collection of secondary data, the
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investigator has faced the limitation related to less availability of the information on the
following topic. There are wide range of studied present on other nation students but some of
them available on Thai students. On the other hand, at the time of making interpretation, the
researcher has faced issue because due to different viewpoints of authors, it has hard to consider
one of the right views for the research. Along with this, many of the previous researches have not
effectively represent their outcomes in a right way which has created difficulties for the
investigator to understand them and use in own research.
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CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
Data analysis can be defined as a process which focuses on a systematic evaluation of
the collected facts and figures for making final conclusion for the current research. The
current research is based on different factors that can influence the Thai students towards the
foreign universities for further studies. According to the proposed techniques, the author has
been used both thematic and statistical analysis methods for analysing secondary data about
the subject. Researcher has applied thematic analysis for analysing quantitative information
which helps in analysing all information in subjective manner and in-depth. Implementation
of thematic analysis method is describing in the following paragraphs of the report.
4.2 Thematic analysis
It is one of the common methods for analysing quantitative information about the
research subject which plays an important role in attaining all objectives in appropriate
manner. These techniques include different graphs, charts, diagrams and other figures for
analysing facts and figures in appropriate manner. Flexibility of thematic analysis allows
author to apply number of theories and models to find solution of the research problem in
appropriate manner. Including this, it is also effective for analysing large amount of data sets
which increase the reliability and validity of the final results. Using thematic analysis, the
author has found the most popular universities which is generally attractive for Thai students.
Furthermore, the author has also developed themes on purpose of foreign studies of high
education students of Thailand. Along with this, on the basis of literature review, thematic
analysis has included theme on most important factor that influence Thai students to
complete their higher study in UK universities. Including this, the researcher has also set a
theme where Thai students do not choose local universities for their higher education.
Qualitative analysis has also helped in determining the most motivational factors that can
easily influence the Thai students to study in Birmingham. Overall, thematic analysis has
helped in achieving the major objectives of the current investigation. Some selected themes
of this research are describing in the following paragraphs of this chapter.
Theme 1: Demographical profile of Thai students to study in Birmingham.
Age:
As per the collected secondary data, the researcher has got the information regarding the age
of the Thai students who are studying in different universities of the UK for further
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education. From the data, it has determined that percentage of 20-25 years students have
highest as compare to other responses who are already studying in various universities. On
the other hand, the percentage of 26-30 years is near about to 43.3% which has equal to the
percentage of students of 20-25 age. While, there are 10% Thai students in the UK
universities who are above the age of 30. Beside this, 3.4% Thai students have under the age
of 20 who have studied in several UK universities. From the overall, discussion, it has been
clear that the 20 to 30 age Thai students are learning in the UK universities for higher
education (Trends in the Age Composition of College and University Students and Graduates,
2016).
Gender
In order to get the information regarding the demographic data of Thai students from
secondary sources who are studying in the UK universities, the researcher has determined
that number of female students are less who comes the UK from Thai for carrying out the
higher studies. On the other hand, number of male Thai students who have studied in UK
universities and pursue various courses are higher as compare to female students. So, from
the above discussion, it has been concluded by the researcher the percentage of male Thai
students have higher as compare to female Thai students who are studying in the UK for
further studies (UK's university gender gap is a national scandal, says thinktank. 2016).
Most popular universities which is generally preferred by Thai students for further
studies.
As per the review of literature researcher has got that Aston, BCU, UCB and UOB are
the major universities of UK which are preferred by Thai students for further studies. So, for
getting better results author has included this information in the following theme. After
making final theme author has found that some participants have believed that Aston and
UCB are the major universities of UK where Thai students want to take admission for further
studies. On the other hand, few respondents have thought that BCU is the most appropriate
universities for further studies. On the other hand, some of the participants provided their
vote to UOB. So, as per the highest frequency Aston University is the most popular
university which is generally preferred by Thai students for further studies. Overall, above
theme has reflected that Aston University and UCB are the major universities which are
selected by students for further studies (Best universities in the UK 2017, 2016).
Status of the study
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In order to determine the status of study of the Thai students in the different UK
universities, the researcher has gathered the information from college. From the collected
data, it has been determined that some of the respondents have those students who have been
completed their education in the UK universities. On the other hand, few responders are
currently studying in the UK institutions. From the overall collected data, the researcher has
found that the percentage of students who have been finished their education from UK
universities has higher as compare to those students who are currently studying in different
UK institutions (University Subject Tables 2017, 2016).
Theme 2: Major purpose behind completing higher education in Birmingham.
According to the findings of the literature review author has found that most of the
Thai students prefer University of Birmingham. So, determining the major purpose behind
the selection of these universities is also one of the major objectives of this study. From the
gathered information from different secondary sources, it has found that there are many of
Thai students have believed that they prefer universities of city of Birmingham for their
higher education as it provides a structured curriculam and the value of the university is high
within the market. Along with this, major purpose of most of the students was career growth
and development. But on the other hand, few of the learners have believed that future
opportunities are considered as major reason behind the selection of foreign university
specially universities of Birmingham. According to the above theme, getting best education,
career growth and development and future opportunities major purpose behind completing
higher education in the city of Birmingham.
Theme 3: The most important factors that influence Thai students to complete their
higher study in UK University.
UK universities use different strategies for attracting Thai students for further
students. So, author wants to determine the major factors of UK universities which attract
students of Thailand so, author has included the above theme in the secondary information.
After analysing the above theme or pie chart author has found that students have believed that
ranking of universities play important role in selection of universities. Along with this, chart
has shown that no respondents have thought that most of the universities provide financial
and promotional offers for getting education from particular specific universities so, it is also
considered as important factors for that influence Thai students to complete their higher study
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in UK University. According to the secondary information, decisions of students can also be
influenced by the scholarship amount of universities. But on the other hand, some of the Thai
learners have thought that location is the most influencing factor that motivates Thai students
to complete their higher education in the UK University(What International Students Say
About Studying in the UK, 2014).
Beside this, students have stated that family and friends are some important factors
that also considered influencing element of Thai students to complete their higher study in
UK University. In contrast, learners thought that Courses are also an important factor which
can affect the decisions of Thai students at the time of taking admission in UK universities.
Overall, frequency distribution has reflected that location, universities ranking and
scholarship are considered as important factors which can affect decisions of Thai students at
the time of selection of universities of UK for further educations.
Theme 4: The major reason why Thai students has not chosen Thai universities for
their higher education.
Review of the education system of Thailand has reflected that there are number of
reasons because of them Thai students do not take admission in local universities. So,
determining these reasons is also one of the major objectives of the current study. That’s why
author has included the following theme as a secondary data analysis. After analysing the
secondary sources of information, author has found that students have believed that education
system of Thailand is a worst education system in Southeast Asia, so, they don’t prefer Thai
universities for higher education. Similarly, another few Thai learners have thought that lack
of skilled and experienced teachers and inappropriate system of education are considered as
major reasons because of them they don’t prefer Thai universities. Similarly, inadequate
financial resources are not considered as reasons by any participants to have not chosen Thai
Universities for higher education. Further, author has also found that universities of Thailand
are suffered from some major problems such as lack of placement opportunities and lack of
training and other sports activities which are also considered as major reasons for Thai
students because of them they don’t chose Thai universities for their higher education.
Researches revealedthat huge class size and lazy students are also considered as major
reasons because of them Thai students have not chosen Thai universities for their higher
because education. Therefore, the above theme has found that there are number of reasons
because of them Thai students do not prefer Thai universities for higher education.
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Theme 5: Personal factors that motivate the students to study in a Birmingham university.
Academic backgrounds:
In order to determine the some personal factors that motivate the students to study in a
Birmingham university, the researcher has prepared a theme to analyse the secondary
information. For each element, the different responses have been recorded. In this context,
the scholar has considered academic background as a motivating factor for Thai student to
study in a Birmingham university. From the collected data, it has determined that students
have given in the favour of neutral that they have neither in agree nor in disagree option. On
the other hand, some of the Thai learners have agreed that the academic backgrounds of Thai
students are the personal factors that motivate them to study in a Birmingham university. In
this context, some of the students have strongly agreed choice in the support of the stated
statement by the researcher. Beside this, few of them have disagreed from the given
statement. Therefore, from the above discussion, it can be concluded that personal factor is
one of the element that motivates the Thai students to study in a Birmingham university.
English test:
With the aim of determine the personal factor that influence the Thai students to study
in the UK universities, the researcher has considered English Test as one of that factor. In this
context, from the collected secondary information, it has found that the students have not
considered this as a motivation factor for study in foreign university (What International
Students Say About Studying in the UK, 2016). On the other hand, some of the students have
agreed that English test is one the motivating factors to influence them in foreign colleges. In
this context, some of them have also support the following element. On the other hand, few
Thai learners have do not think that English test is one of the factors that motivate them to
study in a Birmingham university. So, from the above discussion, it can be concluded that
English Test is also one of the element that influence Thai students to take decision regarding
the study in a Birmingham university.
Financial status:
From the gather secondary information from college sources, it has been clear that
many of the Thai students have agreed that their financial status has motivated them to study
in a Birmingham university (What International Students Say About Studying in the UK,
2016). In this context, some of them also have supported the following statement. On the
other, the collected secondary sources of information stated that recorded responses few of
the learners have completely disagreed from the stated question of the researcher. So, from
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the above discussion, it can be concluded that financial status is also one of the element that
influence Thai students to take decision regarding the study in a Birmingham university.
Social status:
As per the collected secondary information, it has been clear that students have
maintained the social status in community and this factor has motivated them to study in a
Birmingham university. In this context, some of them have supported these elements as
motivation reason. While, few of the learners have not considered this as a motivational
reason to carry out the studies in foreign universities. So, from the above discussion, it can be
concluded that social status is also one of the element that influence Thai students to take
decision regarding the study in a Birmingham university. (Adzei, 2012)
More opportunities to get a better job
On the basis of collected secondary data, it has been clear that students have agreed
that to get more and better job opportunities in the future has motivated them to study in a
Birmingham university. In this context, some of them have also supported the following
factor. On the other, the recorded responses of secondary sources, it has determined that
students have completely disagreed from this information. So, from the above discussion, it
can be concluded that get more and better job opportunity is also one of the element that
influence Thai students to take decision regarding the study in a Birmingham university.
Personal recommendation is important in choosing university
From the collecting information from secondary sources, it has been clear that
students have considered personal recommendation is a most important factor has motivated
them to study in a Birmingham university. In this context, some of them have supported the
following information. On the other, the collected responses from secondary information, it
has defined that few of the students have not considered as a personal recommendation is a
most important factor has motivated them to study in a Birmingham university. So, from the
above discussion, it can be concluded that personal recommendation is also one of the
element that influence Thai students to take decision regarding the study in a Birmingham
university.
Parents:
From the collecting information from secondary sources, it has been clear that
students have considered parents are a most important factor has motivated them to study in a
Birmingham university. In this context, some of them have supported the following
information. On the other, the collected responses from secondary information, it has defined
that few of the students have not considered as a parents are a most important factor has
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motivated them to study in a Birmingham university. So, from the above discussion, it can be
concluded that personal recommendation is also one of the element that influence Thai
students to take decision regarding the study in a Birmingham university.
By summarizing overall recorded that, it can be concluded that there are number of
personal factor which can motivate Thai students to take admission in UK universities for
higher education.
Theme 6: Motivational factors that influence Thai students to study in the city of
Birmingham.
Determining motivational factor that influence Thai students to study in the city of
Birmingham is also one of the major requirements for attaining aim of the current research.
So, author has included the above question in questionnaire of the primary investigation.
Above graph has reflected that reputed international university, increment in
knowledge of different culture, benefits from scholarship and tuition fees, improvement in
language skills and international professional network are considered as important
motivational factors which can influence Thai students to study in the city of Birmingham.
Frequency distribution has reflected that all these factors have got equal frequency response
from sample units of the current research. Therefore, author has found appropriate
motivational factors that can encourage students to take admission in universities of
Birmingham.
Theme 7: Thai students have completely satisfied with the education system of
universities of city of Birmingham.
As per the above hypothesis author wants to determine that Thai students are satisfied
with the education system of UK or not. As per the collected secondary sources information,
it has determined that Thai students are satisfied with the education system of universities of
city of Birmingham. Therefore, their satisfaction level increases their attraction towards the
UK universities. So, it is also considered as an important factor which influences them to take
admission in UK universities.
Theme 8: Student are don’t know whether they are satisfy with the education system of
Thai universities or not.
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As per the literature author has found that there are number of reasons because of
them Thai students are not satisfied with the local education system of this country. So, for
getting better result author has taken the help of secondary source of information which has
stated that Thai students are not satisfied with the education system of Thailand.
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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusions
In the present time, the global trends in education have increased with time. The
students have preferred to go abroad for the graduation and post graduation in the developed
and developing nations. So, it has created challenges in front of the countries to provide the
quality educations to the international students. India, China, Russia Brazil and Thailand are
the major nations are which facing issues in providing better educational services to students
of their countries. The chief problems or barriers behind are lack of physical and financial
resources and under develop educational system. But in the developed nations, these facilities
have attracted the international students. The universities of UK, US and other developed
countries are offering appropriate educational facilities, career opportunities, scholarships and
international placements. But educational universities of Thailand do not provide appropriate
opportunities of placement, campus, training and other sports activities of growth and
development of students. So, this is the reason why the Thai students are planning to more
towards the foreign nations to complete the education and other research studies.
5.1.1 Conclusion of literature review and data analysis
As per the literature review, the researcher has concluded that globalization has one of
the powerful factors which have direct impact on postsecondary education. The changes in
the trends in the educations system have affected the quality of the education of the
universities. With the time of technology advancement, many of the nations have adopted the
digitization to deliver the knowledge to the students. India, China, Russia Brazil and Thailand
etc have some countries which have faced the some challenges with respect to higher
education. On the basis of this, the scholar has summarized that economic growth and tertiary
education has strong relationship with each other. In the developed nations, knowledge based
employment has increased with the time. This has raised the requirements of high skilled
employees in different industries. In this context, from the different sources of secondary
sources, it has explored by the researcher that United states are generating largest revenue
approximately $10billion in the year of 2000 from the export of education services. There are
many students who prefer to complete their education in the USbecause of the good
educational system, higher growth opportunities etc.
From the literature review, the investigator has tried to compare the higher education
in Thailand and UK. From this, it has found that Education system of Thailand is one of the
worst systems in Southeast Asia because of poor educational facilities for students. The
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students of that area have not got the qualitative higher education. The reason of this is poor
structure of educational system and improper support from the government side. Plagued by
inadequate financial resources is one of the major limitations that decrease the educational
facilities in the Thailand.Students even not the proper facilities of classrooms, labs, training
etc. These all things have discouraged them to complete the education in own nation and look
the other foreign countries as an option for future studies.
By concluding the literature review, the researcher has determined that there are some
motivations that motivate the students to study from the aboard. In this, study at a university
with a strong international reputation has the major motivation for foreign students in
prospect of higher education are one of them. Another one is to take the experience of
different culture in the life. But, in this context, the scholar has indentified that high tuition
fees for higher education in the aboard has influenced to the students to move towards those
universities which are providing benefits by scholarships and low tuition fees. Proficiency in
language skills and international professional networks have also included in the motivational
factors to study in abroad.
Beside this, from the analysis of the secondary source of information, the researcher
has assessed that price effect has direct impact on behaviour of students at the time of
selection of foreign universities. High price reduce the level of attraction of students. So, this
reason or substitutes may reduce the interest of students towards a particular university.
Overall, economic model plays important role in analysing the behaviour of students of
Thailand at the time of selecting foreign universities for higher education. On the other hand,
buyer decision has one of the elements that influenced the decision of students to get higher
education in foreign nations. Elaboration likelihood model has analysed the buyer’s decision
towards the different product and services. As per this model customers can take decisions on
the basis of the two different routes central routes and peripheral routes. On the basis of this
framework, the researcher has analysed that involvement and route of the decision making
process of student researcher has analysed the buyer’s decisions.
Apart from this, the researcher has concluded that there are number of factors which
can influence the behaviour of customers towards the different organization. For this, Black
box model has used for understand the behaviour of customers because it has included some
major aspects such as marketing stimuli, environmental stimuli, buyer’s characteristics,
decision making and buyer’s response. As per this factors education system of foreign
countries provide educational services with reasonable price and offered valuable benefits
attract students of other nation to study in abroad. Along with this, the outcome of the
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following model has showed that some environmental stimuli has influenced the students
decision making process related to either complete higher education from foreign or not.
These have included economic, technological, political, cultural, demographic and natural
factors.
Apart from this, the researcher has summarized from the literature review information
that UK government has always promoted education field. They have believed the glory of
UK that is the number of students attracted towards quality oriented universities and visitors
who attracted towards the aesthetic beauty of this place. The nation has provided that
effective educational facilities to all the students who came from outside in order to gain
education from recognized universities. Various facilities to support the organization by
taking external as well as internal support which assist in the overall development which
increases the existing conditions of the economy.
On the other hand, from the data analysis section, the researcher has concluded that
Aston, BCU. UCB, UOB etc are some most popular university which has generally preferred
by Thai students for further studies. Getting best education, Career growth and development
and Future opportunities have some main reasons that have influenced the Thai students to
get the higher education in the city of Birmingham. Along with this, Location of university,
University Ranking, Financial/ promotion offer from universityetc some most important
factors that has persuade Thai students to complete their higher study in UK University. On
the other hand, the scholar has also summarized from the data analysis that Worst education
system in southeast Asia, inadequate financial resources, lack of skills and experience of
teachers, lack of placement opportunitiesetc some major reasons that is why Thai students
have taken decision to complete higher education from abroad rather than pursuing in
Thailand. Reputation international university, increment in knowledge of different culture,
benefits from scholarship and tuition feesetc have some motivational factor that influence
Thai students to study in the city of Birmingham. Along with this, the investigator has
summarized from the statistics data those Thai students have satisfied with the education
system of universities of city of Birmingham.
5.2 Recommendations
As per the investigation, the researcher has found that there are several issues which
are influencing Thai students to study in the city of Birmingham. The major reasons are as
follows:
Work-based learning (WBL): By adopting this system in the educational institutions,
it becomes easy to improve the educational system of Thailand. It will help the students to
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gain relevant real work experience during the education. For example, the students can spend
one or two semesters at production sites to gain the real work experience.
Vocational education: This strategy will create a good educational system in
Thailand which can able to influence the students to pursue the higher education from their
nation. It will improve educational infrastructure and added lab facilities.
Teaching methods: The professors and the teachers should use a mix of the
communicative approach rather than using the ancient and ineffective grammar-translation
technique. Speaking and listening are the two most important skills that make the
communication process more effective. So, by bringing the improvement in the teaching
methods and skills of the teachers, it becomes easy to the change the education system from
teacher-centred learning to student-centred learning.
Hire foreign teachers: It is the one of the good problem solutions of solving the
education issues in Thailand and influence the students to vary out the higher education from
their own country. But in order to attract the foreign teachers, the government should need
some hard efforts with investing the huge amount of cash in terms of salary.
Motivating learners: By suing the different strategies, the government and
educational system of Thailand should motivate the students. The reason is a well motivated
learner can influence the other people to learn something new. With the help of this method,
it becomes easy to attract the students and minimize their movement towards toward the
foreign for higher education.
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