Perception and attraction factors: A study of Nigerian Students’ choice to study at XAMK, Finland
Bankefa, Tosin Christopher (2023)
Bankefa, Tosin Christopher
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112431364
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112431364
Tiivistelmä
The study investigated the perception and attraction factors of Nigerian students' choice to study at XAMK. Its aim was to acquire a better knowledge of Nigerian students' perceptions of XAMK and to determine the elements that impact their decision to study at XAMK in Finland. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were set: to determine the factors influencing Nigerian students’ decision to study abroad; to determine the factors that attract Nigerian students to study at XAMK; and to determine challenges faced by Nigerian students in XAMK.
The study used a mixed research method with the quantitative data collected through online surveys shared with Nigerian students in Finland’s higher institutions. Also, the qualitative data was collected from Nigerian students in XAMK who were willing to participate through in-depth interviews. The study used descriptive statistics and thematic methods to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data respectively.
The study found that many Nigerian students in Finland selected Finland as their study region because it offers solutions to the push factors in their home country, and it is one of the cheapest options to migrate to Europe for study. Moreover, the multicultural experience and peaceful environment that the host country offers were other factors that have influenced some of these students’ choice of study destination. On the decision to study at XAMK, it was found that many of the students were motivated by the feedback they got from other international students on the school website; the university's prestige and reputation in the world ranking; and the achievement of the alumni of the school on the world stage. However, the language barrier has been on top of their challenge list as it prevents them from being able to effectively learn in class and take advantage of opportunities that are available, especially work opportunities in the host country.
Keywords: Nigerian international students in XAMK, International Studies, Study region motivation
The study used a mixed research method with the quantitative data collected through online surveys shared with Nigerian students in Finland’s higher institutions. Also, the qualitative data was collected from Nigerian students in XAMK who were willing to participate through in-depth interviews. The study used descriptive statistics and thematic methods to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data respectively.
The study found that many Nigerian students in Finland selected Finland as their study region because it offers solutions to the push factors in their home country, and it is one of the cheapest options to migrate to Europe for study. Moreover, the multicultural experience and peaceful environment that the host country offers were other factors that have influenced some of these students’ choice of study destination. On the decision to study at XAMK, it was found that many of the students were motivated by the feedback they got from other international students on the school website; the university's prestige and reputation in the world ranking; and the achievement of the alumni of the school on the world stage. However, the language barrier has been on top of their challenge list as it prevents them from being able to effectively learn in class and take advantage of opportunities that are available, especially work opportunities in the host country.
Keywords: Nigerian international students in XAMK, International Studies, Study region motivation