Language Ability, Social Demand, and Employment Policies: A Comparative Study of Chinese and Thai International Students’ Employability

This study explores the factors shaping the employability of international students by comparing Chinese students in Thailand and Thai students in China. Focusing on three dimensions—language proficiency, social demand, and employment policies. The research employs a questionnaire survey, with 390 valid responses. Data was analyzed using independent-sample t-tests and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate that language proficiency is the decisive factor shaping graduates’ career planning, adaptability, and competitiveness, while social demand—encompassing family expectations, labor market conditions, and cultural norms—further directs career choices and entrepreneurial intentions, whereas employment policies related to visas, work permits, and incentives exert only limited influence due to low awareness and implementation barriers. The findings suggest that universities should strengthen career-oriented language training and guidance services, while policymakers in China and Thailand should prioritize clearer communication and practical alignment of policies with labor market needs to enhance international student employability.