China: 36% expressed dissatisfaction with China’s political system and restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, leading them to seek educational opportunities in a more democratic environment like the USA.
South Korea: 3% of students felt that the USA offered a more open and comfortable environment, free from the intense societal pressures and expectations often associated with South Korean culture. They appreciated the relative freedom to express themselves and explore diverse interests.
India: 2% highlighted the desire for a better quality of life, including access to healthcare, infrastructure, and overall standard of living, as a motivating factor for pursuing higher education in the USA.
Global Perspective
South Korea: 32%students were driven by the desire to gain a global perspective and exposure to international cultures. They valued the opportunity to study in a multicultural environment, which they believed would enhance their understanding of different cultures and improve their global competence.
China: 20% highlighted the pursuit of a more global perspective and exposure to international cultures as their driving force.
India: 11% highlighted the pursuit of a more global perspective and exposure to international cultures as their driving force, seeking to broaden their horizons and expand their understanding of global issues.
Academic Opportunities
India: 26% cited the desire for access to a more diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities as their primary motivation, recognizing the prestige and quality of education offered by American universities
South Korea: 20% portion of students cited the diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities available in the USA as their primary motivation. They were attracted to the innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education offered by American institutions, which they felt would provide them with a broader and more flexible educational experience.
China: 19% cited the desire for access to a more diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities as their primary motivation.
Education System Concerns
India: 34% expressed concerns about the rigidity and outdated nature of India’s higher education system, opting instead for the innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary approach offered by American institutions.
China: 10% mentioned concerns about the rigidity and competitiveness of China’s higher education system, opting instead for the more flexible and holistic approach to learning offered by American institutions.
South Korea: 10% of students expressed concerns about the rigidity and competitiveness of South Korea’s education system. They sought the more flexible and holistic approach to learning offered by American universities, which they believed would allow them to explore their interests more freely and develop critical thinking skills.
Personal Reasons
China: 9% mentioned personal or familial reasons for choosing to study in the USA, such as family ties or a desire for personal development.
India: 7% mentioned personal or familial reasons for choosing to study in the USA, such as family ties, or the pursuit of personal development and self-discovery.
South Korea: 5% group of students mentioned personal or familial reasons for choosing to study in the USA. These included having family ties in the USA, personal aspirations for self-development, or a desire to experience life in a different country.
Career Prospects
South Korea: 30%of students were motivated by the prospect of better career opportunities and networking connections in the USA. They recognized the potential for professional advancement and global networking that studying in the USA could offer, which they believed would significantly enhance their career prospects in the future.
India: 20% cited the allure of better career prospects and job opportunities in the USA, acknowledging the potential for professional growth and advancement in fields such as technology, business, and research.
China: 6% cited the allure of better career prospects and networking opportunities in the USA, recognizing the potential for professional advancement and global networking connections.