Distinguishing Oneself: Motivations and Expectations of International Students at a Sino-Foreign Institution in China

Conference: The Paris Conference on Education (PCE2022)
Title: Distinguishing Oneself: Motivations and Expectations of International Students at a Sino-Foreign Institution in China
Stream: International Education
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Emmanuelle Chiocca, Duke Kunshan University, China
Xin Zhang, Duke Kunshan University, China

Abstract:

International institutions in China have drawn an increasing number of international students from around the world, including during the pandemic, as students know they will start their studies remotely without a set date for an in-person experience in China. This mixed-methods study investigates the motivations and expectations of international students just prior to beginning their undergraduate education at a Sino-American joint venture institution in China. Drawing from multiple data sources (surveys and interviews), this study focuses on 10 international students to understand what motivates them to attend such an institution, and what they expect to experience prior to attending this institution. Data was analyzed inductively and thematically. Findings suggest that student motivation to join such Sino-American institutions revolves around the desire to distinguish themselves. This desire for differentiation was present in all the categories which emerged from the data, including 1) being a pioneer, 2) escaping their comfort zone, 3) future opportunities, 4) the benefits that an intercultural, interdisciplinary liberal education can provide, 5) the desire for intercultural encounters and global perspectives, and 6) the importance of learning Chinese language and culture. The expectations of experience revolve around intentions to change in 1) cultural identity, 2) global perspective, 3) maturity and independence, and 4) language and intercultural skills, with a variety of academic and social experiences acting as means to change. The presenters discuss implications for international educational environments.

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