ACADEMIC SUPPORT NEEDS AND PREFERENCES OF PROSPECTIVE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE CREDIT BANK SYSTEM OF BUSINESS ENGLISH PROGRAM, FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, SUAN SUNANDHA RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study investigated the academic support needs and preferences of 15 prospective Myanmar undergraduate students enrolled in the Credit Bank Business English Program at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, perceived academic challenges, awareness and use of support services, preferred support formats, priority support areas, and reasons for choosing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Thailand. Overall, respondents reported moderate levels of difficulty with course content, language barriers, study skills, time management, academic writing, and classroom participation, indicating a broad need for integrated academic support rather than a single, isolated area of concern. The most frequently selected priority support areas were English language improvement, study skills and time management, subject content understanding, and preparation for English proficiency tests such as EnglishScore, TOEIC, and SSRU-TEP. Learners showed strong preferences for one-on-one tutoring, small group workshops, online self-paced resources, and peer study groups as preferred support formats, highlighting the value of flexible, multi-modal support. Open-ended responses underscored time management, balancing coursework with self-study, and access to learning resources (e.g., library) as key ongoing challenges. Regarding study destination and institutional choice, safety and stability, career opportunities in Thailand, proximity to Myanmar, cost compared to Western countries, language and cultural learning, internships or industry links, and scholarships/financial support were commonly cited motivations for choosing to study in Thailand and at SSRU. The findings suggest that a targeted support framework combining language development, study skills training, content-focused assistance, and clear pathways to careers and financial support would be responsive to the specific needs and aspirations of this student group. Keywords:1 Academic support needs 2 Business English 3 Learning preferences