DIGITAL LIBRARY
CHINESE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ INTENTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS TO STUDY IN LITHUANIA
Vytautas Magnus University (LITHUANIA)
About this paper:
Appears in: ICERI2020 Proceedings
Publication year: 2020
Pages: 2743-2751
ISBN: 978-84-09-24232-0
ISSN: 2340-1095
doi: 10.21125/iceri.2020.0634
Conference name: 13th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Dates: 9-10 November, 2020
Location: Online Conference
Abstract:
This is a qualitative research on the intentions and expectations of studying abroad expressed by Chinese international students, who are studying in Lithuania. In universities and colleges such students not only create international environment and broaden the students' horizons but also force higher education institutions to improve the study programmes they design and implement as well as encourage university teachers to engage in professional development. However, the underlying reasons that motivate these students to undertake their studies in Lithuania and why these factors have influence on their preferences have not been thoroughly studied so far. The purpose of this study was to examine the intentions and expectations of Chinese international students for choosing the study programmes of Music Education or Music Performance in Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania. Using in-depth interviews on Chinese students who were taking university degrees in Lithuania, the research analysed the students’ motives for choosing studies abroad in the perspectives of both individual, academic-related, professional development and their reflections on the cultural context as well as willingness of students to experience different cultures and lifestyles. A total of 15 students (undergraduate, Master students as well as postgraduate students) were interviewed. From this study a significant number of qualitative themes were singled out and they embraced: recommendations of teachers and friends, international and academic reputation and quality of music education in Lithuania, the attractiveness of Lithuanian culture. When evaluating the country-specific criteria, the Chinese international students best appreciated the opportunity to travel in Lithuania and other EU countries, safety in the country (national security) and the possibility of finding a teacher job in China after their studies. The findings from this study have several implications for university administrators, lecturers and researchers, who should be aware of how to enhance learning motivation from the perspective of Chinese international students. Overall, this study helps to understand why Chinese students choose to study in Lithuania and to develop effective communication and publicity strategies based on this information.
Keywords:
Chinese students in Lithuania, higher education, students’ intentions, expectations, studies abroad.