Internationalization and Englishes in Thai Higher Education : Surveying insights from international mobile students in Thailand

Abstract

With the rapid spread of English nowadays, as well as the internationalization of higher education, Thailand has become a popular destination of university education, attracting both students and teachers alike from Kachru’s inner, outer and expanding circle countries in different English programs in Thailand. Therefore, this mixed-method study aims to explore the perspectives and positions of international mobile students from Kachru’s inner, outer, and expanding circle countries who are enrolled in English programs at Thai universities. The focus is on their views regarding the internationalization of higher education (HE) through English and determining which English variety should be incorporated into these programs. The purposive sampling method was employed to collect quantitative data from 42 students across various universities in Thailand. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were used to obtain qualitative data from nine international mobile students from the questionnaire participants. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The findings highlight the motivations for studying in Thailand, academic experiences, language barriers, and socio-cultural challenges faced by these students, revealing both similarities and differences across the inner, outer, and expanding Circles. Key findings indicate that convenience, lower cost of living, geographic proximity, and familial responsibilities are primary motivators for choosing Thailand. Students adapt to differing educational systems but face significant barriers due to limited English proficiency among administrative staff and peers, as well as socio-cultural differences. The study reveals a strong preference for British and American English varieties, reflecting perceived legitimacy and authenticity. Despite these preferences, there is a recognition of the need for linguistic diversity and exposure to various Englishes to enhance global communication skills among students from across the inner, outer, and expanding circles. However, distinct differences in their perceptions emerged: Inner circle students stressed the importance of academic rigor and the use of standard English while appreciating diverse educational practices. Outer circle students prioritized flexibility and global perspectives, whereas expanding circle students focused on English proficiency as a key tool for their academic and professional growth. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics, with a focus on broadening the geographic scope, increasing sample diversity, and investigating the long-term impacts of internationalization initiatives.

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