Impact and Adaptability of International Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Bhutanese Students Studying at the Faculty of Business Administration, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon

Abstract

This study sought to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Bhutanese students studying at Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP) and their coping mechanisms during the pandemic. This study employed a qualitative research approach involving an in-depth interview with 40 Bhutanese students enrolled in the International Business program at RMUTP’s Faculty of Business Administration. This study found that the pandemic has had a negative effect on Bhutanese students in several ways, including (a) online teaching and learning which required Bhutanese students to spend more money on the internet bill and other related costs, (b) more immigration requirements for Bhutanese students to enter the Kingdom of Thailand, and (c) the Thai government’s regulations during the pandemic, such as mandatory quarantine for international arrivals, increased the financial burden and expense for Bhutanese students. Interestingly, this study found that the pandemic had no impact on Bhutanese students’ lifestyle because there was effective social support among senior and junior Bhutanese students. In terms of Bhutanese students’ adaptability during the pandemic, this study found that Bhutanese students had a high level of adaptability in all aspects during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in having strong social support among Bhutanese students at RMUTP.