The Influence of Family, Peers, and Education Agents on Thai Students’ Choices of International Education

This study examines the influence of family, peers, and agents on Thai students’ choices of international education. A qualitative phase indicated that influence from family can be slotted into one of five categories: finance, information, expectation, persuasion, and competition. On the other hand, peers and agents can influence students’ choices by way of three major influencing types; information, competition and persuasion. The analyses indicate that various people affect and psychologically support the decision-making process of Thai students. Subsequent quantitative analysis demonstrated that financial support and information from agents are key influencing factors. The analysis suggests that the older the Thai student, the less the impact of family influence on their choices of international education, and the greater the effect of peers’ influence. The study confirms that the choice of international education is not a one-step decision-making process. Each choice can be influenced by different sources in various ways.