LAUSR

Based on data recently collected in China, this study examined factors influencing Thai international students’ stay/leave intentions after completion of degrees in Chinese universities. Paying attention to the concrete situations and lived experiences of international students in a more integrated Asia-Pacific region, we found that marriage/romantic relationships clearly pulled international students to their partners across borders. Business or law majors and those from business-owning families were found to be inclined to stay, possibly for economic/career reasons. Regarding acculturation attitudes, the study found that the more one attached to Thai culture or way of life, the more likely he or she planned on leaving. The reverse is also true, as pro-China attitude had a positive, albeit diminishing, effect on planning to stay. The effect of acculturation attitudes was further found to be conditional, as these personal rationales can be suppressed by family business interests.