Predicting U.S. College Students’ Interest in Studying in China: Social Influence, Personal Experiences, Country Reputation, and Media Coverage
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v30i2.417Keywords:
Social influence, Personal experiences, Country reputation, Education abroad, Study abroad, US college studentsAbstract
An online survey of 374 US college students was conducted in April 2015 to examine whether and how subjective norm, direct and indirect experiences related to China, their perceptions of China (China’s country reputation), and media coverage of China influence their interests of studying in China. Statistical results show that their subjective norm, China’s reputation, and media coverage of China positively predicted their attitudes toward studying in China (R2= 51.5), whereas their intent to study in China (R2= 35.2) was determined by their attitudes, subjective norm, and China experiences. The study indicates that social influence or normative pressure is a much more important factor to shape their attitudes toward studying in China than their overall perceptions of China and media coverage of China. Social influence is also the second most significant predictor of their intent to study in China. The important theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Allen, H. W., & Dupuy, B. (2012). Study Abroad, Foreign Language Use, and the Communities
Standard. Foreign Language Annals, 45(4), 468-493.
Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human
Decision Processes, 50, 179-211.
American Council on Education (ACE), Art & Science Group LLC, and the College Board,
(2008). College-bound students’ interests in study abroad and other international learning activities. Retrieved from https://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Documents/2008-Student-Poll.pdf
American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) (2013). AIFS study abroad outcomes: A view from
our alumni 1990-2010. Retrieved from http://www.aifsabroad.com/advisors/pdf/AIFS_Study_Abroad_Outcomes.pdf
Armitage, C. J., & Conner, M. (2001). Efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour: A meta-
analytic review. British Journal of Social Psychology, 40(4), 471-499.
Anholt, S. (2015). Public diplomacy and competitive identity: Where’s the link? In G.J. Golan,
S.-U. Yang, and D.F. Kinsey (eds), International public relations and public diplomacy:
Communication and engagement. New York : Peter Lang, pp. 189-207.
Anholt, S. (2009). The media and national image. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, 5(3),
169-179.
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). (2010). Raising the bar: Employer’s views on college learning in the wake of the economic downturn. Retrieved from https://www.aacu.org/sites/default/files/files/LEAP/2009_EmployerSurvey.pdf
Bennett, W. L., & Paletz, D. L. (Eds.) (1994). Taken by Storm: The Media, Public Opinion, and
US Foreign Policy in the Gulf War. University of Chicago Press.
Black, H. T., and Duhon, D. L. (2006). Assessing the impact of business study abroad programs
on cultural awareness and personal development. Journal of Education for Business, 81(3), 140–144.
Byrne, B. M. (2010). Structural equation modeling with AMOS: Basic concepts, applications, and programming. New York: Routledge.
Braskamp, L. A., Braskamp, D. C., & Merrill, K. C. (2009). Assessing progress in global learning and development of students with education abroad experiences. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal to Study Abroad, 18, 101–118.
Brux, J., M. & Fry, B. (2010). Multicultural students in study abroad: Their interests, their issues,
and their constraints. Journal of Studies in International Education, 14(5), 508-527.
Cai, W., & Sankaran, G. (2015). Promoting critical thinking through an interdisciplinary abroad
program. Journal of International Students, 5(1), 38-49.
Chen, T.-P. (2014). Only 1% of U.S. and U.K. study-abroad students interested in China. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/04/28/only-1-of-u-s-and-u-k-study-abroad-
students-interested-in-china/
Cho, J., & Morris, M. W. (2015). Cultural study and problem‐solving gains: Effects of study abroad, openness, and choice. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(7), 944-966.
Cubillo, J.M., Sanchez, J., & Cervino, J. (2006). International students’ decision-making process.
Journal of Education Management, 20(2), 101-115.
Cubillo-Pinilla, J.M., Zuniga, J., Losantos, I.S., & Sanchez, J. (2009). Factors influencing international students’ evaluations of higher education programs. The Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge, 15(1), 270-278.
DeGraaf, D., Slagter, C., Larsen, K., & Ditta, E. (2013). The long-term personal and professional
impacts of participating in a study abroad program. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 23, 42-59.
Deviney, D., Vrba, T., Mills, L., & Ball, E. (2014). Why Some Students Study Abroad and Others Stay. Research in Higher Education Journal, 25, 1-14.
Dillman, D. A. (2007), Mail and internet surveys: The tailored design method, Hoboken,
N.J: Wiley.
Dixon, B. (2013). Education abroad in China: Literature review of study abroad program types, outcomes and benefits. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 23, 105-122
Duperron, L., & Overstreet, M. H. (2009). Preparedness for study abroad: The linguistic outcomes of a short-term Spanish program by third, fourth and sixth semester L2 learners. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal to Study Abroad, 18, 157–179.
Finney, T. G., & Finney, R. Z. (2010). Are students their universities’ customers? An exploratory
study. Education + Training, 52(4), 276–291.
Fitzsimmons, S. s., Flanagan, D. d., & Wang, X. x. (2013). Business students’ choice of short-term or long-term study abroad opportunities. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 24(2), 125-137.
Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39-50.
Fornerino, M., Jolibert, A., Sánchez, C. M., & Zhang, M. (2011). Do values or goals better explain intent? A cross-national comparison. Journal of Business Research, 64, 490–496.
Fullerton, J.A., Kendrick, A., Chan, K., Hamilton, M., & Kerr, G. (2007). Attitudes towards American brands and Brand America. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, 3(3), 205-212.
Gallup (2016). Americans’ trust in mass media sinks to new low. Retrieved from
http://www.gallup.com/poll/195542/americans-trust-mass-media-sinks-new-low.aspx
Gerbner, G., & Gross, L. (1976). The scary world of TV’s heavy viewer. Psychology Today, 9, 41-45, 89.
Gertner, Rosane. (2011). The impact of country attributes on study abroad programs and tourism destination purchasing decisions. Review of Business Research, 11(1), 34-45.
Golan, G. J. (2006). Inter-media agenda setting and global news coverage: Assessing the influence of The New York Times on three network television evening news programs. Journalism Studies, 7(2), 323–333.
Golan, G.J. (2014). An integrated approach to public diplomacy. In G.J. Golan, S.-U. Yang, and D.F. Kinsey (eds.), International public relations and public diplomacy: Communication and engagement. New York : Peter Lang, pp. 417-440.
Goldoni, F. (2015). Preparing Students for Studying Abroad. Journal of the Scholarship Of Teaching & Learning, 15(4), 1-21.
Goldstein, S. B., & Kim, R. I. (2006). Predictors of US college students’ participation in study abroad programs: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 30, 507-521.
Gordon, P. J., Patterson, T., & Cherry, J. (2014). Increasing international study abroad rates for
business students. Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, 18(3), 77-86.
Hackney, K., Boggs, D., & Borozan, A. (2012). An empirical study of student willingness to study abroad. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 23(2), 123-144.
Hansel, B. (2008). AFS long term impact study. Report 2: Looking at intercultural sensitivity,
anxiety, and experience with other cultures. New York: AFS International.
Harris, R. J., & Karafa, J. A. (1999). A cultivation theory perspective of worldwide national impressions of the United States. In Y. R. Kamalipour (ed.) Images of the U.S. Around the World: A Multicultural Perspective (pp. 3-18). Albany: State University of New York Press.
Heslop, L., Nadeau, J., & O'Reilly, N. (2010). China and the Olympics: views of insiders and
outsiders. International Marketing Review, 27(4), 404-433.
Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6 (1), 1-55.
Im, H. H., & Chon, K. (2008). An exploratory study of movie-induced tourism: A case of the movie The Sound of Music and its locations in Salzburg, Austria. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 24(2/3), 229-238.
Institute of International Education (2016). Host Regions and Destinations of U.S. Study
Abroad Students, 2013/14 - 2014/15. Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. Retrieved from http://www.iie.org/opendoors
Iwashita, C. (2008). Roles of films and television dramas in international tourism: The case
of Japanese tourists to the UK. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 24(2/3), 139-151.
Jochum, C. J. (2014). Measuring the Effects of a Semester Abroad on Students' Oral Proficiency
Gains: A Comparison of At-Home and Study Abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 24, 93-104.
Jue, S. (September 20, 2010). A New Public Diplomacy Initiative: Sending 100,000 American Students to China. American Diplomacy, 1-7.
Kang, B., & Megehee, C. M. (2014). Advancing facilitators and deterrents theory of students’ study-abroad decisions. Review of Higher Education & Self-Learning, 7(24), 124-140.
Kuzma, A., Kuzma, J., & Thiewes, H. (2012). Contrasting student attitudes toward study abroad programs among college of business majors. American Journal of Business Education, 5(4), 457-464.
Lala, V., Allred, A. T., & Chakraborty, G. (2009). A multidimensional scale for measuring country image. Journal of International Consumer Marketing, 21(1), 51-66.
Lee, C. S., Therriault, D. J., & Linderholm, T. (2012). On the Cognitive Benefits of Cultural Experience: Exploring the Relationship between Studying Abroad and Creative Thinking. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 26(5), 768-778.
Lewis, T. L., & Niesenbaum, R. A. (2005). Extending the stay: Using community based research and service learning to enhance short-term study abroad. Journal of Studies in International Education, 9 (3) 251–264.
Li, M. (2011). Rising from Within: China’s Search for a Multilateral World and Its Implications for Sino-US Relations. Global Governance, 17(3), 331-351.
Lin, W. (2013). Factors affecting high-involvement product purchasing behavior. Quality & Quantity, 47(6), 3113-3133.
Liu, X. (2014). Comparison on the Developmental Trends between Chinese Students Studying Abroad and Foreign Students Studying in China. Journal of International Students, 4(1), 34-47.
Luo, J., & Jamieson-Drake, D. (2015). Predictors of study abroad intent, participation, and college outcomes. Research in Higher Education, 56(1), 29-56.
Manzenreiter, W. (2010). The Beijing Games in the Western Imagination of China: The Weak
Power of Soft Power. Journal Of Sport & Social Issues, 34(1), 29-48.
Matthews, P. R., Hameister, B. G., & Hosley, N. S. (1998). Attitudes of college students toward study abroad: Implications for disability service providers. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 13(2), 67-77.
Meijer, H. (2015). Actors, Coalitions, and the Making of Foreign Security Policy: US Strategic Trade with the People’s Republic of China. International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, 15(3), 433-475.
Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (2017). Brief Statistics of International Students in China in 2016. In Chinese. Retrieved from http://www.moe.edu.cn/jyb_xwfb/xw_fbh/moe_2069/xwfbh_2017n/xwfb_170301/170301_sjtj/201703/t20170301_297677.html
Mitchell, H., & Stewart, M. (2012). Movies and holidays: the empirical relationship between movies and tourism. Applied Economics Letters, 19(15), 1437-1440.
Morrish, S.C., & Lee, C. (2011). Country of origin as a source of sustainable competitive advantage: The case for international higher education institutions in New Zealand. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 19(6), 517-529.
Morrison, W. M. (2015). China’s economic rise: History, trends, challenges, and implications for
the United States. Congressional Research Service, Washington, D.C. Retrieved from https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33534.pdf
Movassaghi, H., Unsal, F., & Göçer, K. (2014). Study abroad decisions: Determinants & perceived consequences. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 14(1), 69-80.
Murphy, D., Sahakyan, N., Doua, Y., & Magnan, S. S. (2014). The Impact of Study Abroad on the Global Engagement of University Graduates. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 24, 1-24.
Nguyen, S. (2014). ‘F’ is for family, friend and faculty influences: Examining the communicated
messages about study abroad at a Hispanic-serving institution (HIS). International Education, 43(2), 77-93.
Nyaupane, G. P., Paris, C. M., & Teye, V. (2011). Study abroad motivations, destination selection and pre-trip attitude formation. International Journal of Tourism Research, 13(3), 205-217.
Nysveen, H., Pedersen, P. E., & Thorbjørnsen, H. (2005). Intentions to Use Mobile Services: Antecedents and Cross-Service Comparisons. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 33(3), 330-346.
Nunnally, J. C., & Bernstein, I. H. (1994). Psychometric theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Obermiller, C., Fleenor, P., & Raven, P. (2005). Students as customers or products: Perceptions
of faculty and students. Marketing Education Review, 15(2), 27–36.
Oh, J. S. (2012). Business Interests and US-China Relations on Climate Change. Pacific Focus, 27(1), 36-61.
Owen, C., Breheny, P., Ingram, R., Pfeifle, W., Cain, J., & Ryan, M. m. (2013). Factors associated with pharmacy student interest in international study. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 77(3), 1-10.
Paige, R.M., Fry, G.W., Stallman, E.M., Josic, J., & Jon, J.E. (2009). Study abroad for global engagement: The long-term impact of mobility experiences. Intercultural Education, 20(S1-2), S29-44.
Passow, T., Fehlman, R., & Grahlow, H. (2005). Country reputation—from measurement to management: The case of Liechtenstein. Corporate Reputation Review, 7(4), 309-326.
Pedersen, P. J. (2010). Assessing intercultural effectiveness outcomes in a year-long study abroad program. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 34(1), 70-80.
Ponzi, L.J., Fombrun, C.J., & Gardberg, N.A. (2011). RepTrak Pulse: Conceptualizing and validating short-term measure of corporate reputation. Corporate Reputation Review, 14(1), 15-35.
Pope, J. A., Sánchez, C. M., Lehnert, K., & Schmid, A. S. (2014). Why Do Gen Y Students Study Abroad? Individual Growth and the Intent to Study Abroad. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 25(2), 97-118.
Presley, A., Damron-Martinez, D., & Zhang L. (2010). A study of business student choice to study abroad: A test of the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Teaching In International Business, 21(4), 227-247.
Randolph, O., Fullerton, J., & Kendrick, A. (2010). International attitudes toward America. Place Branding & Public Diplomacy, 6(3), 244-255.
Reputation Institute, the. (2012). 2012 Country RepTrakTM Topline Report. Retrieved from
http://www.tfsa.ca/storage/reports/2012_Country_RepTrak_Topline_Report.pdf
Rexeisen, R. J., Anderson, P. H., Lawton, L., & Hubbard, A. C. (2008). Study abroad and intercultural development: A longitudinal study. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal to Study Abroad, 17, 1–20.
Rivas, C. V. (2011). The rise and fall of Mexico’s international image: Stereotypical identities, media strategies and diplomacy dilemmas. Place Branding & Public Diplomacy, 7(1), 23-31.
Salisbury, M., Paulsen, M., and Pascarella, E. T. (2010). To see the world or stay at home: Applying an integrated student choice model to explore the gender gap in the intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 51(7), 615–640.
Salisbury, M. H., Paulsen, M. B., and Pascarella, E. T. (2011). Why do all the study abroad students look alike? Using an integrated student choice model to explore differences in the development of white and minority students’ intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 52(2), 123–150.
Salisbury, M. H., Umbach, P. D., Paulsen, M. B., and Pascarella, E. T. (2009). Going global: Understanding the choice process of the intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 50(2), 119–143.
Salyers, V., Carston, C., Dean, Y., & London, C. (2015). Exploring the motivations, expectations, and experiences of students who study in global settings. Journal Of International Students, 5(4), 368-382.
Saunders, D. B. (2014a). Exploring a customer orientation: Free-market logic and college students. The Review of Higher Education, 37(2), 197–219.
Saunders, D. B. (2015). They do not buy it: exploring the extent to which entering first-year students view themselves as customers. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 25(1), 5-28.
Saunders, P. C. (2014b). China’s rising power, the U.S. rebalance to Asia, and implications for U.S.-China Relations. Issues & Studies, 50(3), 19-55.
Schnusenberg, O., de Jong, P., & Goel, L. (2012). Predicting study abroad intentions based on the theory of planned behavior. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 10(3), 337-361.
Shambaugh, D. (2015). China’s Soft-Power Push: The Search for Respect. Foreign Affairs, 94 (4), 99-107.
Shirley, S. W. (2006). The gender gap in post-secondary study abroad: Understanding and marketing to male students (Doctoral dissertation, The University of North Dakota). Retrieved December 26, 2015 from http://www.aifsabroad.com/advisors/pdf/Gender_Gap_Shirley.pdf
Shrum, L. J., O’Guinn, T. C., Semenik, R. J., Faber, R. J. (1991). Process and effects in the construction of normative consumer beliefs: The role of television. Advances in Consumer Research, 18, 755-763.
Siow, M. (2015). China seeks to brush up on global image. Channel News Asia, March 31. Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-seeks-to-brush-up/1758222.html.
Song, Y.-A., & Sung, Y. (2013). Antecedents of Nation Brand Personality. Corporate Reputation Review, 16(1), 80-94.
Srikatanyoo, N., & Gnoth, J. (2002). Country image and international tertiary education. Journal of Brand Management, 10(2), 139-146.
Stallman, E., Woodruff, G. A., Kasravi, J., and Comp, D. (2010). The diversification of the student profile. In W. W. Hoffa and S. C. DePaul (Eds.), A history of U.S. study abroad: 1965–present. Lancaster, PA: Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad.
Stemler, S.E. (2012). What should university admissions tests predict? Educational Psychologist,
41(1), 5-17.
Stemler, S. E., Imada, T., I., & Sorkin, C. (2014). Development and Validation of the Wesleyan Intercultural Competence Scale (WICS): A Tool for Measuring the Impact of Study Abroad Experiences. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 24, 25-58.
The 100,000 Strong Foundation (2015). About us. Retrieved from http://100kstrong.org/about-us/
Toncar, M., Reid, J., & Anderson, C. (2005). Perceptions and preferences of study abroad: Do business students have different needs? Journal of Teaching in International Business, 17(1/2), 61-80.
Twombly, S., Salisbury, M., Tumanut, S., & Klute, P. (2012). Special Issue: Study Abroad in a New Global Century-Renewing the Promise, Refining the Purpose. ASHE Higher Education Report, 38(4), 1-152.
U.S. Census Bureau (2016). Top Trading Partners December 2016. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/highlights/top/top1612yr.html
Valenzuela, S., Park, N., & Kee, K. F. (2009). Is there social capital in a social network site?: Facebook use and college students’ life satisfaction, trust, and participation. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14 (4), 875-901.
van Veen, F., Göritz, A. S., & Sattler, S. (2016). Response effects of prenotification, prepaid cash, prepaid vouchers, and postpaid vouchers: An experimental comparison. Social Science Computer Review, 34(3), 333-346.
Wang, J. (2011). Soft Power in China: Public Diplomacy through Communication. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Wang, X., & Shoemaker, P. K. (2011). What shapes Americans’ opinion of China? Country characters, public relations and mass media. Chinese Journal of Communication, 41(1), 1-20.
Watjatrakul, B. (2010). Using the student-as-customer concept in technology disciplines: Students’ perspectives. International Journal of Behavioral, Cognitive, Educational and
Psychological Sciences, 2(1), 1–5.
Williams, T. R. (2005). Exploring the impact of study abroad on students’ intercultural communication skills: Adaptability and sensitivity. Journal of Studies in International Education, 9, 356–371.
Yang, S.U., Shin, H., Lee, J.H., & Wrigley, B. (2008). Country reputation in multidimensions: Predictors, effects, and communication channels. Journal of Public Relations Research,
20(4), 421-440.
Yang, H., & Wang, Y. (2017). The Influence of US Media and Country Image on Chinese High School Students’ Attitudes toward and Intent of Studying in the USA. Journal of China
Marketing, 6(2), forthcoming.
Zatepilina-Monacell, O., & Kinsey, D.F. (2013). Media coverage and decision-making on the likelihood of studying in Mexico. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication's Mid-Winter Conference, International Communication Division, Norman, OK.
Zhang, C., & Meadows III, C. W. (2012). International Coverage, Foreign Policy, and National Image: Exploring the Complexities of Media Coverage, Public Opinion, and Presidential Agenda. International Journal of Communication, 6, 76-95.
Zhao, Y. (2014). Toward internal harmony: The role of Confucius Institutes in China’s soft power. China Media Research, 10(1), 22-28.
Standard. Foreign Language Annals, 45(4), 468-493.
Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human
Decision Processes, 50, 179-211.
American Council on Education (ACE), Art & Science Group LLC, and the College Board,
(2008). College-bound students’ interests in study abroad and other international learning activities. Retrieved from https://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Documents/2008-Student-Poll.pdf
American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) (2013). AIFS study abroad outcomes: A view from
our alumni 1990-2010. Retrieved from http://www.aifsabroad.com/advisors/pdf/AIFS_Study_Abroad_Outcomes.pdf
Armitage, C. J., & Conner, M. (2001). Efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour: A meta-
analytic review. British Journal of Social Psychology, 40(4), 471-499.
Anholt, S. (2015). Public diplomacy and competitive identity: Where’s the link? In G.J. Golan,
S.-U. Yang, and D.F. Kinsey (eds), International public relations and public diplomacy:
Communication and engagement. New York : Peter Lang, pp. 189-207.
Anholt, S. (2009). The media and national image. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, 5(3),
169-179.
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). (2010). Raising the bar: Employer’s views on college learning in the wake of the economic downturn. Retrieved from https://www.aacu.org/sites/default/files/files/LEAP/2009_EmployerSurvey.pdf
Bennett, W. L., & Paletz, D. L. (Eds.) (1994). Taken by Storm: The Media, Public Opinion, and
US Foreign Policy in the Gulf War. University of Chicago Press.
Black, H. T., and Duhon, D. L. (2006). Assessing the impact of business study abroad programs
on cultural awareness and personal development. Journal of Education for Business, 81(3), 140–144.
Byrne, B. M. (2010). Structural equation modeling with AMOS: Basic concepts, applications, and programming. New York: Routledge.
Braskamp, L. A., Braskamp, D. C., & Merrill, K. C. (2009). Assessing progress in global learning and development of students with education abroad experiences. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal to Study Abroad, 18, 101–118.
Brux, J., M. & Fry, B. (2010). Multicultural students in study abroad: Their interests, their issues,
and their constraints. Journal of Studies in International Education, 14(5), 508-527.
Cai, W., & Sankaran, G. (2015). Promoting critical thinking through an interdisciplinary abroad
program. Journal of International Students, 5(1), 38-49.
Chen, T.-P. (2014). Only 1% of U.S. and U.K. study-abroad students interested in China. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/04/28/only-1-of-u-s-and-u-k-study-abroad-
students-interested-in-china/
Cho, J., & Morris, M. W. (2015). Cultural study and problem‐solving gains: Effects of study abroad, openness, and choice. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(7), 944-966.
Cubillo, J.M., Sanchez, J., & Cervino, J. (2006). International students’ decision-making process.
Journal of Education Management, 20(2), 101-115.
Cubillo-Pinilla, J.M., Zuniga, J., Losantos, I.S., & Sanchez, J. (2009). Factors influencing international students’ evaluations of higher education programs. The Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge, 15(1), 270-278.
DeGraaf, D., Slagter, C., Larsen, K., & Ditta, E. (2013). The long-term personal and professional
impacts of participating in a study abroad program. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 23, 42-59.
Deviney, D., Vrba, T., Mills, L., & Ball, E. (2014). Why Some Students Study Abroad and Others Stay. Research in Higher Education Journal, 25, 1-14.
Dillman, D. A. (2007), Mail and internet surveys: The tailored design method, Hoboken,
N.J: Wiley.
Dixon, B. (2013). Education abroad in China: Literature review of study abroad program types, outcomes and benefits. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 23, 105-122
Duperron, L., & Overstreet, M. H. (2009). Preparedness for study abroad: The linguistic outcomes of a short-term Spanish program by third, fourth and sixth semester L2 learners. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal to Study Abroad, 18, 157–179.
Finney, T. G., & Finney, R. Z. (2010). Are students their universities’ customers? An exploratory
study. Education + Training, 52(4), 276–291.
Fitzsimmons, S. s., Flanagan, D. d., & Wang, X. x. (2013). Business students’ choice of short-term or long-term study abroad opportunities. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 24(2), 125-137.
Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39-50.
Fornerino, M., Jolibert, A., Sánchez, C. M., & Zhang, M. (2011). Do values or goals better explain intent? A cross-national comparison. Journal of Business Research, 64, 490–496.
Fullerton, J.A., Kendrick, A., Chan, K., Hamilton, M., & Kerr, G. (2007). Attitudes towards American brands and Brand America. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, 3(3), 205-212.
Gallup (2016). Americans’ trust in mass media sinks to new low. Retrieved from
http://www.gallup.com/poll/195542/americans-trust-mass-media-sinks-new-low.aspx
Gerbner, G., & Gross, L. (1976). The scary world of TV’s heavy viewer. Psychology Today, 9, 41-45, 89.
Gertner, Rosane. (2011). The impact of country attributes on study abroad programs and tourism destination purchasing decisions. Review of Business Research, 11(1), 34-45.
Golan, G. J. (2006). Inter-media agenda setting and global news coverage: Assessing the influence of The New York Times on three network television evening news programs. Journalism Studies, 7(2), 323–333.
Golan, G.J. (2014). An integrated approach to public diplomacy. In G.J. Golan, S.-U. Yang, and D.F. Kinsey (eds.), International public relations and public diplomacy: Communication and engagement. New York : Peter Lang, pp. 417-440.
Goldoni, F. (2015). Preparing Students for Studying Abroad. Journal of the Scholarship Of Teaching & Learning, 15(4), 1-21.
Goldstein, S. B., & Kim, R. I. (2006). Predictors of US college students’ participation in study abroad programs: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 30, 507-521.
Gordon, P. J., Patterson, T., & Cherry, J. (2014). Increasing international study abroad rates for
business students. Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, 18(3), 77-86.
Hackney, K., Boggs, D., & Borozan, A. (2012). An empirical study of student willingness to study abroad. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 23(2), 123-144.
Hansel, B. (2008). AFS long term impact study. Report 2: Looking at intercultural sensitivity,
anxiety, and experience with other cultures. New York: AFS International.
Harris, R. J., & Karafa, J. A. (1999). A cultivation theory perspective of worldwide national impressions of the United States. In Y. R. Kamalipour (ed.) Images of the U.S. Around the World: A Multicultural Perspective (pp. 3-18). Albany: State University of New York Press.
Heslop, L., Nadeau, J., & O'Reilly, N. (2010). China and the Olympics: views of insiders and
outsiders. International Marketing Review, 27(4), 404-433.
Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6 (1), 1-55.
Im, H. H., & Chon, K. (2008). An exploratory study of movie-induced tourism: A case of the movie The Sound of Music and its locations in Salzburg, Austria. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 24(2/3), 229-238.
Institute of International Education (2016). Host Regions and Destinations of U.S. Study
Abroad Students, 2013/14 - 2014/15. Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. Retrieved from http://www.iie.org/opendoors
Iwashita, C. (2008). Roles of films and television dramas in international tourism: The case
of Japanese tourists to the UK. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 24(2/3), 139-151.
Jochum, C. J. (2014). Measuring the Effects of a Semester Abroad on Students' Oral Proficiency
Gains: A Comparison of At-Home and Study Abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 24, 93-104.
Jue, S. (September 20, 2010). A New Public Diplomacy Initiative: Sending 100,000 American Students to China. American Diplomacy, 1-7.
Kang, B., & Megehee, C. M. (2014). Advancing facilitators and deterrents theory of students’ study-abroad decisions. Review of Higher Education & Self-Learning, 7(24), 124-140.
Kuzma, A., Kuzma, J., & Thiewes, H. (2012). Contrasting student attitudes toward study abroad programs among college of business majors. American Journal of Business Education, 5(4), 457-464.
Lala, V., Allred, A. T., & Chakraborty, G. (2009). A multidimensional scale for measuring country image. Journal of International Consumer Marketing, 21(1), 51-66.
Lee, C. S., Therriault, D. J., & Linderholm, T. (2012). On the Cognitive Benefits of Cultural Experience: Exploring the Relationship between Studying Abroad and Creative Thinking. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 26(5), 768-778.
Lewis, T. L., & Niesenbaum, R. A. (2005). Extending the stay: Using community based research and service learning to enhance short-term study abroad. Journal of Studies in International Education, 9 (3) 251–264.
Li, M. (2011). Rising from Within: China’s Search for a Multilateral World and Its Implications for Sino-US Relations. Global Governance, 17(3), 331-351.
Lin, W. (2013). Factors affecting high-involvement product purchasing behavior. Quality & Quantity, 47(6), 3113-3133.
Liu, X. (2014). Comparison on the Developmental Trends between Chinese Students Studying Abroad and Foreign Students Studying in China. Journal of International Students, 4(1), 34-47.
Luo, J., & Jamieson-Drake, D. (2015). Predictors of study abroad intent, participation, and college outcomes. Research in Higher Education, 56(1), 29-56.
Manzenreiter, W. (2010). The Beijing Games in the Western Imagination of China: The Weak
Power of Soft Power. Journal Of Sport & Social Issues, 34(1), 29-48.
Matthews, P. R., Hameister, B. G., & Hosley, N. S. (1998). Attitudes of college students toward study abroad: Implications for disability service providers. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 13(2), 67-77.
Meijer, H. (2015). Actors, Coalitions, and the Making of Foreign Security Policy: US Strategic Trade with the People’s Republic of China. International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, 15(3), 433-475.
Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (2017). Brief Statistics of International Students in China in 2016. In Chinese. Retrieved from http://www.moe.edu.cn/jyb_xwfb/xw_fbh/moe_2069/xwfbh_2017n/xwfb_170301/170301_sjtj/201703/t20170301_297677.html
Mitchell, H., & Stewart, M. (2012). Movies and holidays: the empirical relationship between movies and tourism. Applied Economics Letters, 19(15), 1437-1440.
Morrish, S.C., & Lee, C. (2011). Country of origin as a source of sustainable competitive advantage: The case for international higher education institutions in New Zealand. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 19(6), 517-529.
Morrison, W. M. (2015). China’s economic rise: History, trends, challenges, and implications for
the United States. Congressional Research Service, Washington, D.C. Retrieved from https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33534.pdf
Movassaghi, H., Unsal, F., & Göçer, K. (2014). Study abroad decisions: Determinants & perceived consequences. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 14(1), 69-80.
Murphy, D., Sahakyan, N., Doua, Y., & Magnan, S. S. (2014). The Impact of Study Abroad on the Global Engagement of University Graduates. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 24, 1-24.
Nguyen, S. (2014). ‘F’ is for family, friend and faculty influences: Examining the communicated
messages about study abroad at a Hispanic-serving institution (HIS). International Education, 43(2), 77-93.
Nyaupane, G. P., Paris, C. M., & Teye, V. (2011). Study abroad motivations, destination selection and pre-trip attitude formation. International Journal of Tourism Research, 13(3), 205-217.
Nysveen, H., Pedersen, P. E., & Thorbjørnsen, H. (2005). Intentions to Use Mobile Services: Antecedents and Cross-Service Comparisons. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 33(3), 330-346.
Nunnally, J. C., & Bernstein, I. H. (1994). Psychometric theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Obermiller, C., Fleenor, P., & Raven, P. (2005). Students as customers or products: Perceptions
of faculty and students. Marketing Education Review, 15(2), 27–36.
Oh, J. S. (2012). Business Interests and US-China Relations on Climate Change. Pacific Focus, 27(1), 36-61.
Owen, C., Breheny, P., Ingram, R., Pfeifle, W., Cain, J., & Ryan, M. m. (2013). Factors associated with pharmacy student interest in international study. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 77(3), 1-10.
Paige, R.M., Fry, G.W., Stallman, E.M., Josic, J., & Jon, J.E. (2009). Study abroad for global engagement: The long-term impact of mobility experiences. Intercultural Education, 20(S1-2), S29-44.
Passow, T., Fehlman, R., & Grahlow, H. (2005). Country reputation—from measurement to management: The case of Liechtenstein. Corporate Reputation Review, 7(4), 309-326.
Pedersen, P. J. (2010). Assessing intercultural effectiveness outcomes in a year-long study abroad program. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 34(1), 70-80.
Ponzi, L.J., Fombrun, C.J., & Gardberg, N.A. (2011). RepTrak Pulse: Conceptualizing and validating short-term measure of corporate reputation. Corporate Reputation Review, 14(1), 15-35.
Pope, J. A., Sánchez, C. M., Lehnert, K., & Schmid, A. S. (2014). Why Do Gen Y Students Study Abroad? Individual Growth and the Intent to Study Abroad. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 25(2), 97-118.
Presley, A., Damron-Martinez, D., & Zhang L. (2010). A study of business student choice to study abroad: A test of the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Teaching In International Business, 21(4), 227-247.
Randolph, O., Fullerton, J., & Kendrick, A. (2010). International attitudes toward America. Place Branding & Public Diplomacy, 6(3), 244-255.
Reputation Institute, the. (2012). 2012 Country RepTrakTM Topline Report. Retrieved from
http://www.tfsa.ca/storage/reports/2012_Country_RepTrak_Topline_Report.pdf
Rexeisen, R. J., Anderson, P. H., Lawton, L., & Hubbard, A. C. (2008). Study abroad and intercultural development: A longitudinal study. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal to Study Abroad, 17, 1–20.
Rivas, C. V. (2011). The rise and fall of Mexico’s international image: Stereotypical identities, media strategies and diplomacy dilemmas. Place Branding & Public Diplomacy, 7(1), 23-31.
Salisbury, M., Paulsen, M., and Pascarella, E. T. (2010). To see the world or stay at home: Applying an integrated student choice model to explore the gender gap in the intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 51(7), 615–640.
Salisbury, M. H., Paulsen, M. B., and Pascarella, E. T. (2011). Why do all the study abroad students look alike? Using an integrated student choice model to explore differences in the development of white and minority students’ intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 52(2), 123–150.
Salisbury, M. H., Umbach, P. D., Paulsen, M. B., and Pascarella, E. T. (2009). Going global: Understanding the choice process of the intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 50(2), 119–143.
Salyers, V., Carston, C., Dean, Y., & London, C. (2015). Exploring the motivations, expectations, and experiences of students who study in global settings. Journal Of International Students, 5(4), 368-382.
Saunders, D. B. (2014a). Exploring a customer orientation: Free-market logic and college students. The Review of Higher Education, 37(2), 197–219.
Saunders, D. B. (2015). They do not buy it: exploring the extent to which entering first-year students view themselves as customers. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 25(1), 5-28.
Saunders, P. C. (2014b). China’s rising power, the U.S. rebalance to Asia, and implications for U.S.-China Relations. Issues & Studies, 50(3), 19-55.
Schnusenberg, O., de Jong, P., & Goel, L. (2012). Predicting study abroad intentions based on the theory of planned behavior. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 10(3), 337-361.
Shambaugh, D. (2015). China’s Soft-Power Push: The Search for Respect. Foreign Affairs, 94 (4), 99-107.
Shirley, S. W. (2006). The gender gap in post-secondary study abroad: Understanding and marketing to male students (Doctoral dissertation, The University of North Dakota). Retrieved December 26, 2015 from http://www.aifsabroad.com/advisors/pdf/Gender_Gap_Shirley.pdf
Shrum, L. J., O’Guinn, T. C., Semenik, R. J., Faber, R. J. (1991). Process and effects in the construction of normative consumer beliefs: The role of television. Advances in Consumer Research, 18, 755-763.
Siow, M. (2015). China seeks to brush up on global image. Channel News Asia, March 31. Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-seeks-to-brush-up/1758222.html.
Song, Y.-A., & Sung, Y. (2013). Antecedents of Nation Brand Personality. Corporate Reputation Review, 16(1), 80-94.
Srikatanyoo, N., & Gnoth, J. (2002). Country image and international tertiary education. Journal of Brand Management, 10(2), 139-146.
Stallman, E., Woodruff, G. A., Kasravi, J., and Comp, D. (2010). The diversification of the student profile. In W. W. Hoffa and S. C. DePaul (Eds.), A history of U.S. study abroad: 1965–present. Lancaster, PA: Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad.
Stemler, S.E. (2012). What should university admissions tests predict? Educational Psychologist,
41(1), 5-17.
Stemler, S. E., Imada, T., I., & Sorkin, C. (2014). Development and Validation of the Wesleyan Intercultural Competence Scale (WICS): A Tool for Measuring the Impact of Study Abroad Experiences. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 24, 25-58.
The 100,000 Strong Foundation (2015). About us. Retrieved from http://100kstrong.org/about-us/
Toncar, M., Reid, J., & Anderson, C. (2005). Perceptions and preferences of study abroad: Do business students have different needs? Journal of Teaching in International Business, 17(1/2), 61-80.
Twombly, S., Salisbury, M., Tumanut, S., & Klute, P. (2012). Special Issue: Study Abroad in a New Global Century-Renewing the Promise, Refining the Purpose. ASHE Higher Education Report, 38(4), 1-152.
U.S. Census Bureau (2016). Top Trading Partners December 2016. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/highlights/top/top1612yr.html
Valenzuela, S., Park, N., & Kee, K. F. (2009). Is there social capital in a social network site?: Facebook use and college students’ life satisfaction, trust, and participation. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14 (4), 875-901.
van Veen, F., Göritz, A. S., & Sattler, S. (2016). Response effects of prenotification, prepaid cash, prepaid vouchers, and postpaid vouchers: An experimental comparison. Social Science Computer Review, 34(3), 333-346.
Wang, J. (2011). Soft Power in China: Public Diplomacy through Communication. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Wang, X., & Shoemaker, P. K. (2011). What shapes Americans’ opinion of China? Country characters, public relations and mass media. Chinese Journal of Communication, 41(1), 1-20.
Watjatrakul, B. (2010). Using the student-as-customer concept in technology disciplines: Students’ perspectives. International Journal of Behavioral, Cognitive, Educational and
Psychological Sciences, 2(1), 1–5.
Williams, T. R. (2005). Exploring the impact of study abroad on students’ intercultural communication skills: Adaptability and sensitivity. Journal of Studies in International Education, 9, 356–371.
Yang, S.U., Shin, H., Lee, J.H., & Wrigley, B. (2008). Country reputation in multidimensions: Predictors, effects, and communication channels. Journal of Public Relations Research,
20(4), 421-440.
Yang, H., & Wang, Y. (2017). The Influence of US Media and Country Image on Chinese High School Students’ Attitudes toward and Intent of Studying in the USA. Journal of China
Marketing, 6(2), forthcoming.
Zatepilina-Monacell, O., & Kinsey, D.F. (2013). Media coverage and decision-making on the likelihood of studying in Mexico. Paper presented at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication's Mid-Winter Conference, International Communication Division, Norman, OK.
Zhang, C., & Meadows III, C. W. (2012). International Coverage, Foreign Policy, and National Image: Exploring the Complexities of Media Coverage, Public Opinion, and Presidential Agenda. International Journal of Communication, 6, 76-95.
Zhao, Y. (2014). Toward internal harmony: The role of Confucius Institutes in China’s soft power. China Media Research, 10(1), 22-28.
Downloads
Published
2018-04-26
How to Cite
Yang, H., & Wang, Y. (2018). Predicting U.S. College Students’ Interest in Studying in China: Social Influence, Personal Experiences, Country Reputation, and Media Coverage. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 30(2), 136–160. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v30i2.417
Issue
Section
Research Articles
