Student motivations to study abroad – an empirical study of Vietnamese students in UK

Abstract

This study adapts Push and Pull Theory in educational tourism to explore and measure factors that make students studying abroad in addition to considering travel behaviours of them while being in UK. By using the survey data from 125 Vietnamese students currently studying in United Kingdom. Vietnamese students decide to study abroad to get a better education than domestic one, improve job prospects as well as have a better understanding of western countries’ culture. Quality of the course and university is also considered when making decision. Besides, pull factor related to destination is the last factor affect students’ motivations. When Vietnamese students study at the host country, they seem to travel frequently and stay longer per trip. Vietnamese students also prefer hotel/motel than youth hostel in terms of accommodation.

Keywords

• international student
• motivations to study abroad
• push and pull theory
• travel behaviours