Study on Factors Influencing College Students’ Intention to Study Abroad Based on a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach: A Case Study of Lijiang Culture and Tourism College

Abstract

This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to systematically explore the influencing mechanism of overseas study intentions among students at Lijiang Culture and Tourism College. A theoretical framework, which  is constructed, and the effects of each factor are verified using questionnaire survey data comprising four dimensions: personal traits, family environment, school support, and social atmosphere. The study found that personal traits and family environment have a direct positive impact on the willingness to study abroad, while school support has an indirect effect through personal traits, and the social atmosphere indirectly affects the willingness to study abroad through the family environment. The findings provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for private universities to optimize international education services and enhance students’ international competitiveness, while also expanding the boundaries of research on the internationalization of higher education.