Why are there dropouts among university students? Experiences in a Thai University

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate premature dropping out of university study at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus in southern Thailand. 21 Muslim and non-Muslim males and females and four senior staff were interviewed. The findings are discussed in terms of practical implications and also reflecting on Tinto's model of university dropouts from western findings. The five main reasons for dropout are interesting for the Eastern cultural context. These were concerns about being enrolled in a non-preferred field of study, security, and lifestyle, problems with time management and problems caused by a break or change in an intimate relationship.

► In this study we investigate premature dropping out of university study at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus in southern Thailand. 21 Muslim and non-Muslim males and females and four senior staff were interviewed. We found that the five main reasons for dropout are interesting for the Eastern culture context. These were concerns about being enrolled in a non-preferred field of study, security, and lifestyle, problems with time management and problems caused by a break or change in an intimate relationship.