A quantitative comparative analysis of incoming and outgoing students' perceptions in international student mobility

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/a370n891

Keywords:

international student mobility; incoming students; outgoing students; cultural adjustment; educational experiences; social cohesion; student perception.

Abstract

International student mobility is essential to higher education internationalization, yet comparative quantitative research on incoming and outgoing students remains limited. In this study, motivations and attitudes toward cross-border education were analyzed by comparing 329 international students in China and 303 Chinese outgoing students using questionnaires. Data were examined via reliability and validity tests, mean comparisons, and structural equation modeling (SEM), with acceptable model fit indices. The findings show that incoming students prioritized postgraduate employment and scholarships, whereas outgoing students focused on cultural exploration and personal growth. Incoming students held more optimistic attitudes toward career benefits, policy support, and leadership engagement. Both groups supported peer mentoring but were neutral toward extended language courses and online learning. This study enriches theoretical frameworks and provides practical implications for universities and policy makers to design tailored strategies that improve student satisfaction and support sustainable international mobility.

Author Biographies

  • Zongsheng Chen, Shenyang Jianzhu University, China

    ZONGSHENG CHEN, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer at Management School, Shenyang Jianzhu University, China. His major research interests lie in marketing, information technology applications, innovation and entrepreneurship education, and international student mobility. Email: george.chen@sjzu.edu.cn

  • Cristinel Petrisor Constantin, Transilvania University of Braşov, Romania

    CRISTINEL PETRISOR CONSTANTIN, PhD, is a Professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Transilvania University of Brașov, Romania. His major research interests lie in the areas of marketing, marketing research, data analysis, advanced quantitative methods, and statistics in social science research. Email: cristinel.constantin@unitbv.ro

  • Christos Kelepouris, Benedictine University, USA

    CHRISTOS KELEPOURIS, PhD, is a Lecturer at Benedictine University, USA. His major research interests lie in international business, entrepreneurship, hospitality management, and strategic management. Email: ckelepouris@ben.edu

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Published

2026-04-14

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Vol. 16 No. 13 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Zongsheng Chen, Cristinel Petrisor Constantin, Christos Kelepouris

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How to Cite

Chen, Z., Constantin, C. P., & Kelepouris, C. (2026). A quantitative comparative analysis of incoming and outgoing students’ perceptions in international student mobility. Journal of International Students, 16(13), 171-192. https://doi.org/10.32674/a370n891