Authors : Anil Kumar M. S.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3rtxkae4

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/42a5syxn

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb588

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Purpose This study investigates the interplay between socio-economic factors, cultural adaptation, and international student mobility, focusing on push-pull factors driving students from Kerala, India, to pursue higher education abroad. The research employs a multilevel analysis to explore how socio-economic status (SES) and cultural adaptation interact to shape migration decisions and experiences in host countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and China.  Design/Methodology/Approach Data were collected from 414 Keralite students studying abroad using a non-probability snowball sampling method. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to examine the direct and moderating effects of SES and cultural adaptation on student mobility, incorporating push-pull factors at individual, institutional, and societal levels.  Findings The results reveal a significant association between SES and student mobility (β=0.31, p<0.05), with cultural adaptation acting as a partial moderator (β=0.39, p<0.05). Push factors, such as limited infrastructure in Kerala, and pull factors, such as quality education and career opportunities abroad, significantly influence migration intentions. Cultural adaptation mitigates challenges but does not fully offset SES disparities.  Originality/Value Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by integrating push-pull theory with a multilevel analysis, offering novel insights into the dynamic interplay of socio-economic and cultural factors in international student mobility from a developing region like Kerala.

Keywords : Socio-Economic Status, Cultural Adaptation, International Student Mobility, Push-Pull Factors, Multilevel Analysis.

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