A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of International Students’ Motivation to Study in China

Mussa Awadhi Mussa; Chun Cao

doi:10.70148/rise.v3i5.13

Authors

Mussa Awadhi Mussa Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China Author
Chun Cao Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70148/rise.v3i5.13

Keywords:

Self-determined Motivational Profiles, Motivation to Study in China, Longitudinal study, International Students

Abstract

This study identified international students’ motivation profiles to study in China, focusing on how their motivation develops over time. Although China has become a major destination for international students, existing studies have paid limited attention to how their motivation changes longitudinally, particularly through a qualitative approach. Addressing this gap, the study contributes to research on international students’ motivation and mobility by exploring their motivation profiles. A longitudinal qualitative design tracked 20 master’s students and one PhD student at a university in Northeast China. Data were collected across two waves of semi-structured interviews, conducted six months apart, following a theory-guided qualitative approach. The data were analysed using grounded theory coding procedures in NVivo 15. Findings revealed four dynamic and multidimensional motivation profiles: intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, and external regulation. International students’ motivation moved from external motives, expectations, and curiosity towards internalised personal and academic goals, reinforced by intercultural competence, coping strategies, and environmental adaptation. However, language barriers, academic pressure, environmental conditions, and culture shock continued to shape their day-to-day experiences. The study highlights the need for stronger language support, academic guidance, social integration, and policy interventions to improve international students’ adaptation in China.

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