| Title: |
Chinese Athletes' and Parents' Motivations for U.S. Collegiate Sports Participation |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Wenting Sun (ORCID 0009-0003-8172-6048); Russell D. Ravert; Simran Kaur Sethi |
| Source: |
Journal of International Students. 2026 16(1):45-54. |
| Availability: |
Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jis@ojed.org; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
9 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; High Schools; Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Foreign Countries; Foreign Students; College Athletics; Athletes; Student Motivation; High School Students; Decision Making; Parents; Aspiration; Family Influence; Resources; Educational Policy; Parent Attitudes; Student Attitudes; Cultural Relevance; Student Recruitment; Interpersonal Communication; Influences |
| Geographic Terms: |
China; United States |
| ISSN: |
2162-3104; 2166-3750 |
| Abstract: |
To gain an understanding of international student recruitment and retention in collegiate athletics, this study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of Chinese high school athletes and their parents in pursuing U.S. collegiate sport opportunities. Using the push-pull framework and an ecological perspective, it explores how individual aspirations, family priorities, institutional resources, and national policies shape transnational mobility. Semistructured focus group discussions with 10 athletes and eight parents revealed six key motivational themes and highlighted the influence of recent collegiate sport-related policy changes in China. The findings suggest that while both groups value U.S. sport pathways, athletes and parents may hold different motivations and expectations. The study emphasizes the need for culturally responsive, context-specific communication strategies in recruitment and retention efforts. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1495212 |
| Database: |
ERIC |