The Status and Exercise Needs of International Graduate Students at the Faculty of Sports Science and Technology, Bangkokthonburi University

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Background and Aims: In recent years, the number of international students pursuing graduate studies abroad has steadily increased. These students often face various transitions, including cultural adjustments, environmental changes, and shifts in health-related behaviors. One of the most important behaviors influencing overall well-being is physical exercise, which plays a vital role in promoting physical health, mental wellness, and academic performance. However, international students frequently encounter multiple barriers to regular physical activity, such as lack of time, language difficulties, cultural differences, and low motivation. These limitations may prevent them from fully accessing and participating in exercise-related activities. Understanding the current state and exercise needs of international graduate students can provide valuable insights for universities and related institutions to design suitable programs and develop supportive infrastructure. Such efforts are essential to effectively and sustainably promote students’ health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the state of physical exercise and explore the exercise needs of international graduate students. Methodology: This research employed a survey design. The sample consisted of 286 international graduate students enrolled in the 2024 academic year at the Faculty of Sports Science and Technology, Bangkokthonburi University. A total of 276 completed questionnaires were returned, yielding a 96.50% response rate. The research instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire divided into four sections: (1) general demographic information (checklist format), (2) current physical exercise conditions, (3) exercise needs, and (4) open-ended comments and suggestions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Results: The findings revealed that most international graduate students reported a high level of exercise need (40.94%), followed by moderate and very high levels, respectively. Regarding current exercise facilities and equipment, 43.64% of respondents rated them as “adequate and appropriate.” However, in terms of personnel and budget support for exercise activities, a majority of students evaluated these aspects as “inadequate and inappropriate,” with 62.82% citing insufficient personnel and 60.71% indicating inadequate budget allocation.

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Related topics: Physical Education and Pedagogy · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Advanced Technologies in Various Fields