長期以來，出國留學是年輕人提高能力的一條途徑。因此，近年來出國留學已成為一種趨勢，並且在許多亞洲國家中蓬勃發展。但是，許多學生要決定出國學習很困難，因為他們必須考慮很多因素。這就是我們選擇此主題進行研究的原因。有幾個因素會影響學生決定出國留學。我們將重點放在關注亞洲和越南學生最需要考慮的因素。同樣，我們將使用層級分析法來分析數據。這是Saaty教授發明的一種非常好的方法，已應用於許多領域。本文討論了五個關鍵因素和16個次因素。根據優先等級排序的結果，影響越南學生的最重要的因素是 “學費” ，而影響其他亞洲學生的因素是 “GPA” 。相較之下， “天氣” 是影響其他亞洲學生和越南學生的最不重要的因素。

For a long time, studying abroad is a path for the youths to enhance their ability. Thus, studying abroad has become a trend in recent years and is even blossoming in many Asian countries. However, it is difficult for many students to study abroad because they have to consider a lot factors. This is the reason why we pick this topic to study. There are several factors that affect a student’s decision to study abroad. We will focus on the factors that Asian and Vietnamese students consider most. Also we will use Analytic Hierarchy Process method to analyze the data. This is a pretty good method invented by Prof. Saaty and applied in many fields. Five key factors and 16 sub-elements are discussed in the thesis. Based on the results of priority rank, the most important factor that affects Vietnamese students is “Tuition fees”, and "GPA" for other Asian students. In contrast, "Weather" is the least important factor that affects other Asian students and Vietnamese students.

摘要...i
Abstract...ii
Acknowledgement...iii
Table of Contents...iv
List of Tables...vii
List of Figures...ix
Chapter 1. Introduction...1
1.1 Research Background...1
1.2 Research Motivation...2
1.3 Research Purpose...4
1.4 Overview of challenges and barriers for study abroad...5
1.5 Research Structure...6
Chapter 2. Literature Review...7
2.1 Study abroad overview...7
2.2 Factors impact the student’s choice for study abroad...7
2.2.1 Cost issue...7
2.2.2 Academic requirement...10
2.2.3 University...12
2.2.4 Life...15
2.2.5 Target & opportunity...17
2.3 Literature Review of AHP...19
Chapter 3. Methodology...21
3.1 Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)...21
3.1.1 AHP Introduction...21
3.1.2 Establishing a hierarchy chart...22
3.1.3 Saaty scale...23
3.1.4 Calculate the priority of factors and weight...24
3.1.5 Consistency Ratio (CR)...25
3.2 Selection of main factors and sub-factors affecting students’ decision to study abroad...26
3.3 AHP Steps...30
3.4 Data collecting and data analysis...31
3.5 Model combination in AHP level...36
Chapter 4. Results...38
4.1 Priority weight of main factors...39
4.2 Priority weight of sub-factor “Cost issue” (A)...42
4.3 Priority weight of sub-factor “Academic requirement” (B)...45
4.4 Priority weight of sub-factor “University” (C)...48
4.5 Priority weight of sub-factor “Life” (D)...51
4.6 Priority weight of sub-factor “Target & Opportunity” (E)...54
4.7 The priority for both of main and sub-factors...57
Chapter 5. Conclusion...60
5.1 Summary...60
5.2 Limitations and recommendations...60
References...63
Appendix I – English Questionnaire...70
Appendix II – Chinese Questionnaire...75
Appendix III – Japanese Questionnaire...79
Appendix IV – Vietnamese Questionnaire...83
Appendix V – Description of process and preparation when studying abroad...88
Extended Abstract...91

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