Analysis of Korean students` international mobility by 2-D model: driving force factor and directional factor

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the dynamics of Korean students' international mobility to study abroad by using the 2-D Model. The first D, the driving force factor, explains how and what components of the dissatisfaction with domestic higher education perceived by Korean students drives students' outward mobility to seek foreign higher education. The second D, the directional factor, describes the factors that influence the choice of destination country for students' outward mobility, and is explained by the comparison of Korean students' perceptions on the images of universities in the U.S., China, the U.K., and Australia and their expectations for higher education in each country (categorized as 'academic'aEuro"aEuro similar to environmental'). Two questionnaire surveys were conducted to analyze the two D factors and the research findings were integrated into suggestions for each country's higher education institutions that can be incorporated into their recruitment strategies for international students.