Factors That Influence International Students from India's Choice of Post-Secondary Program: A Single Descriptive Case Study

This doctoral research was designed to understand Factors That Influence the Choice of Post-Secondary Program by International Students from India. Common factors that influence the choice of host country were well reported in the scholarly literature. The discourse from the literature suggested an intent towards the shortest pathway to immigration usually starts with the completion of a two-year diploma. However, enrolment of international students in three-or four-year post-secondary programs may indicate a different future aspiration. Scholarly literature reported that international students from India may be influenced by their own desires, despite originating from a collectivist society. Personal desires may influence other choices and future aspirations. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of experiences from high school years and the cultural influences that influenced the choice of an Ontario college program by international students from India. This study was conducted using a qualitative, interpretive approach, a single descriptive case study, grounded in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. The research questions that guided this study were intentionally designed to align with a descriptive case study methodology, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the issue of post-secondary program choice from the perspective of first-semester international students from India, at an Ontario post-secondary institution. The data from nine semi-structured interviews was transcribed and thematically analyzed. The four major themes that emerged—Family Influences, Social Expectations, High School Influences and Personal Motivation—were interconnected by social relationships. Insights gained from this doctoral research showed how social relationships played a key role in shaping participants’ program choices and future intent.