1. Choosing a Transnational Higher Education Program: What Do Vietnamese Students Rate as Important?
- Author
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Bui, Huyen Minh and Nguyen, Nga Thanh
- Abstract
Given the impact of globalisation on education, there is an increase in transnational education (TNE) programs in some Asian countries. While much literature in TNE has been on issues of quality assurance, culture and teaching and learning from the providers' perspectives, there is little discussion concerning students' perspectives. This paper provides some understanding of what Vietnamese transnational students rate as important when choosing to study these courses. Data collected from a survey of 333 Vietnamese undergraduate students attending Western-imported programs in Hanoi, Vietnam, and follow-up interviews with ten randomly selected participants, indicate that students are motivated to engage with the TNE programs mainly for international qualifications and English proficiency. The factors affecting their choice predominantly stem from the influence of their parents and the reputation of the awarding university's education systems. This paper highlights the need for incorporating students' perspectives into the provision of transnational programs. It will provide insights for educators and marketers who recruit students to educational contexts similar to that of Vietnam and provide useful information for the evaluation of the current TNE Advanced Programs in Vietnam.
- Published
- 2014