The impact of foreign students' major selection motivations on their adaptation to university life, major satisfaction, and career decisions

Objectives This study aims to analyze the influence of international students' major selection motivations on their adaptation to college life, major satisfaction, and career decisions, and to suggest support measures for international students. Methods This study analyzed the relationship between major selection motivation, college life adaptation, major satisfaction, and career decision of 125 international students in domestic universities. To this end, a survey was conducted to measure key variables, and correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to verify the relationship between variables using SPSS 20.0. Results Professional and occupational factors were found to have a significant effect on college life adaptation, major satisfaction, and career decision. On the other hand, major selection motivation did not have a significant effect on psychological adaptation. In particular, occupational factors were found to have the greatest effect on career decision. Conclusions In order to increase international students' satisfaction with their majors and career decisions, an educational environment that supports their professionalism and career goals is needed.