Factors Influencing Final Decision-Making in Choosing Finland as a Study Destination : A Case Study of International Students with Families at a Finnish Vocational School
Tran, Tran (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060520737
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060520737
Tiivistelmä
In recent years, more international students have chosen Finland as a study destination not only for its high-quality education but also because they are allowed to bring their families with them. This trend is especially true among Vietnamese students, who often consider family needs when making education decisions abroad. However, there is still limited research focusing on students who study in Finland together with their spouses and children, especially in the context of vocational education.
This thesis focuses on understanding the key factors that influence the final decision-making of international students with families when choosing Finland. The main problem is that many education policies and recruitment strategies often only focus on individual students, without fully understanding the needs of those who migrate with their families. To address this gap, the author uses a quantitative research method, collecting data from international students—mainly Vietnamese—currently studying at vocational institutions in Finland. The research looks at academic, financial, personal, and family-related factors, with special attention to services such as child education, healthcare, housing, and spousal support.
The findings show that family-related factors play a major role in students’ decision-making. While academic quality and affordability are important, services that support family integration strongly influence their final decision. This study is important because it helps schools, consultants, and policymakers design better support systems for this growing group of students. It also offers practical insights for Vietnamese education agencies to better guide students who wish to study abroad with their families. In the future, more inclusive policies and targeted information could help Finland remain a top destination for international students with family responsibilities.
This thesis focuses on understanding the key factors that influence the final decision-making of international students with families when choosing Finland. The main problem is that many education policies and recruitment strategies often only focus on individual students, without fully understanding the needs of those who migrate with their families. To address this gap, the author uses a quantitative research method, collecting data from international students—mainly Vietnamese—currently studying at vocational institutions in Finland. The research looks at academic, financial, personal, and family-related factors, with special attention to services such as child education, healthcare, housing, and spousal support.
The findings show that family-related factors play a major role in students’ decision-making. While academic quality and affordability are important, services that support family integration strongly influence their final decision. This study is important because it helps schools, consultants, and policymakers design better support systems for this growing group of students. It also offers practical insights for Vietnamese education agencies to better guide students who wish to study abroad with their families. In the future, more inclusive policies and targeted information could help Finland remain a top destination for international students with family responsibilities.