การปรับตัวของนักศึกษาปริญญาตรีที่ไปร่วมโครงการแลกเปลี่ยนต่างประเทศ: กรณีศึกษามหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to study factors affecting study exchange abroad. among Thai undergraduate students and to know how to deal with challenges/problems and social and cultural adjustment of Thai exchange students abroad. This study is qualitative research using primary data collection from in-depth interviews. Participants from Khon Kaen University students were divided into 2 groups: 1) 5 were those who would like to study exchange abroad and 2) 5 were who experience study exchange abroad. The results of the study found that 1) factors affecting studying abroad among Thai undergraduate students depends on external factors consisting of supporting factors, including financial resources, coordination of exchange and credit transfer. The obstacle factors include financial resources, access to application information and consideration of student selection. 2) In addition, it depends on internal factors, including supporting factors such as the family's financial status and language and cultural readiness. The obstacle factors include the family's financial status, language study costs for preparation and reserve money to pay initial expenses. Challenges/ Problems that Thai exchange students face while living abroad found in 7 areas: 1) environment 2) population 3) cross-cultural communication 4) civil society 5) obligations beyond the collective agreement 6) costs other than expected and 7) health insurance system. In terms of the social and cultural adjustment of Thai exchange students abroad are four approaches to: 1) preparation before traveling abroad 2) socializing to interact with friends from different cultures 3) understanding the social and cultural context and 4) changing behavior to be consistent with the ways of people in society.