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The Decision-Making Process in Access Paths to Master’s Degree Studies: The Case of International Students in Spain

Author

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  • Robert G. Valls-Figuera

    (Department of Research and Diagnostics in Education, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Mercedes Torrado-Fonseca

    (Department of Research and Diagnostics in Education, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Soledad Romero-Rodríguez

    (Department of Research and Assessment Methods in Education, School of Education, University of Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain)

  • Pedro Jurado-de-los-Santos

    (Department of Applied Pedagogy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

International student mobility is an important dimension of internationalisation in higher education, involving a high percentage of students in certain subject areas. A literature review revealed the absence of studies deepening our knowledge of this group of students in specific contexts and stages. Thus, this survey study was undertaken to gather data on the profiles and academic and professional careers of a sample of students. Specific differences in their intrinsic and extrinsic motives for their choice of degree subject were found. A total of 314 students from 14 Master’s degree programmes at two public universities responded, 42.4% of whom were international students. The data showed differences in reasons for choice between international and Spanish-native students when enroling in a Master’s degree programme. The foreign students had diverse motivations, in many cases related to each other, with no predominance of extrinsic or intrinsic motives. This suggests that, when students are deciding to study abroad, universities should consider the importance of offering guidance to these students at the stage prior to accessing the Master’s degree.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert G. Valls-Figuera & Mercedes Torrado-Fonseca & Soledad Romero-Rodríguez & Pedro Jurado-de-los-Santos, 2023. "The Decision-Making Process in Access Paths to Master’s Degree Studies: The Case of International Students in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:7:p:5621-:d:1104973
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Everett Lee, 1966. "A theory of migration," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 3(1), pages 47-57, March.
    2. Zheng, Ping, 2014. "Antecedents to international student inflows to UK higher education: A comparative analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(2), pages 136-143.
    3. Agarwal, Vinod B & Winkler, Donald R, 1985. "Foreign Demand for United States Higher Education: A Study of Developing Countries in the Eastern Hemisphere," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 33(3), pages 623-644, April.
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