An Analysis of Thai Rural Students’ Perception and Participation Intention of Working Holidays Reflections for Expanding the Possibilities

บทคัดย่อ

This study aims to investigate Thai rural students’ perception and intention regarding the working holiday scheme. The study also attempts to discover ways to expand the number of Thai rural students to undertake working holidays programs. Data were collected from 82 students and 3 staff members from a government university located in a rural area of Thailand. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, focus group discussions, and structured interviews. Descriptive statistics was employed for the analysis the quantitative questionnaire data while the framework matrix approach was performed with the qualitative data. Results indicate that the majority of Thai rural students are not well familiar with overseas working holiday; however, they still perceive the potential benefits of this scheme. The findings indicate an incongruence between students’ perceived benefits and participation intention. Finally, this study shows that students from universities located in small cities, rural settings, have different live conditions, life expectations, and life perception.  All of these affect their decision and intention to undertake or not undertake the working holidays. Universities play a key role in shaping their students’ perception, expectation, and decision-making.  If a rural university aims to optimize the number of students undertaking the working holiday scheme, universities need to provide students with aids and supports in terms of finance and fundings; English communicative skills; and documentation and application.