GLOBAL HIGHER EDUCATION LANDSCAPES: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF FAMILY, PEER INFLUENCE, AND ACADEMIC CONSIDERATIONS IN STUDENTS' DECISION-MAKING TO STUDY ABROAD

Abstract

This research investigates the determinants of students' decisions to study abroad, focusing on the interplay between family influence, peer dynamics, and academic considerations within the global higher education landscape. Table 1 offers a demographic snapshot of the study's sample, while Table 2 presents the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity, establishing the dataset's suitability for factor analysis. Table 3 provides reliability statistics, affirming the internal consistency of the measurement instruments. Table 7 further scrutinizes these relationships using mean, standard deviation, T-values, and p-values. While some hypothesized associations prove statistically significant, others do not, indicating the nuanced nature of the decision-making processes involved in studying abroad. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics influencing students' choices to pursue international higher education. The findings underscore the importance of educational expectations and family environment in shaping academic success and social interactions. The study also highlights areas for future research, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the decision-making landscape and its implications for global higher education.

Keywords: Global Higher Education, Study Abroad, Decision-Making