Transnational education mobility and dynamism of capital accumulation among Chinese Students in Northern Thai Universities

Abstract

The study of Chinese student migration to foreign universities has attracted significant attention from scholars. Most studies primarily provide an overview of the motivations and structural factors influencing the decision to study abroad in both host and home countries. Meanwhile, analytical studies focusing on the lived experiences and practices of Chinese students’ education mobility, particularly capital accumulation and conversion, remain limited in contributing to an understanding of the complexities involved in their transnational education pathways. Therefore, this research investigates the phenomenon of transnational education mobility, with a specific focus on Chinese students in Northern Thai universities and their experiences of capital accumulation, utilization, and conversion. It aims to examine the main conditions influencing the decisions to study abroad for this new generation of Chinese students, emphasizing the roles of both the Chinese family and the state within contemporary society. Employing qualitative methods, the research includes document analysis and in-depth interviews with 18 Chinese students, capturing their experiences from pre-departure to the completion of their studies, as well as post-graduation. This research has revealed the following key findings: 1. Four main conditions influencing a new generation of Chinese students to pursue higher education in Northern Thai universities are their self-aspiration to study abroad, family support, the educational situation in China, and the academic goals at Northern Thai universities. 2. The dynamics of capital accumulation and conversion among the new generation of Chinese students are becoming increasingly diverse and complex, encompassing not only economic, social, and cultural capital but also “emotional capital.” They are shaped by academic experiences and cultural interactions in Northern Thailand, which is viewed as a destination for relaxation, embodying the concept of Man Sheng Huo (慢生活), or slow life, compared with their home country. In this context, the concept of forming and accumulating emotional capital highlights the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the ability to navigate emotions and relationships in new environments. This contrasts with “cultural capital,” which focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and its use as a form of social capital. 3. This study presents two noteworthy theoretical contributions. First, Bourdieu's concept of "capital" can be expanded to include "emotional capital" in the analysis of accumulation and conversion. This broadens the traditional understanding of capital by going beyond the economic, social, and cultural capital. Second, the trend of Chinese student migration to foreign universities has led to the emergence of "Chinese migration ripples." Notably, there are distinctions between historical and contemporary migration patterns. Traditionally, Chinese migrants sought opportunities primarily to enhance their economic standing. In contrast, contemporary migration encompasses not only capital accumulation and the use of economic and social capital but also places a stronger emphasis on "cultural capital." This shift is reflected in the pursuit of foreign degrees, specialized courses, language proficiency to access diverse job markets, and the adaptability and flexibility exhibited by Chinese students abroad.