ABSTRACT
Given the rise of cross-border education and globalization, attracting international students has become an essential element for greater international competitiveness and even economic growth. Against this wider context, a wide range of Asian countries have been launching diverse policies, schemes, and initiatives to cater to the needs of incoming students. This chapter uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to examine the major determinants/factors influencing students’ choices with respect to studying abroad in five Southeast Asian countries. Among the 4 dimensions and 12 factors estimated, finesse and life were the most powerful determinants, followed by economics and academics. The academic dimension retained a lower weight. As a whole, Southeast Asian students demonstrate technical pragmatism, wishing easy access to well-known institutions in friendly and comfortable life environments. They do not pay much attention to curriculum, research facilities, or graduation requirements. Such preferences bring significant implications to hosting countries and universities. In addition, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has redirected the development of student mobility across the globe. Learning costs and personal safety factors will become imperative considerations in the short term, thereby leading Southeast Asian students to choose neighboring countries. Further regionalization might be present in East Asia.
