Jurnal Ranah Komunikasi
Vol 10 No 1 (2026): Jurnal Ranah Komunikasi (JRK)

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TIKTOK EWOM AND HO CHI MINH CITY STUDENTS’ STUDY-ABROAD INTENTION

Lam Mong Nghi (Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam)
Hoang Minh Thu (Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City)
Pham Khanh Phuong Tam (Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City)
Hoang Vu Thanh Tam (Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City)
Nguyen Ha Thuy Linh (Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City)
Nguyen Tan Khang (Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2026

Abstract

TikTok has developed as a valuable eWOM source for study abroad information. However, research looking specifically at the relationship between eWOM on TikTok and study abroad intentions is still lacking in Vietnam, particularly when it comes to the distinctive context of Ho Chi Minh city students. Purpose: This research focuses on defining the correlation between Ho Chi Minh city students’ study abroad intentions, and online word-of-mouth about study abroad content on TikTok platform. Method: This research uses a descriptive quantitative method of analysis. 384 students in Ho Chi Minh City universities and colleges constitute the data set of a structured questionnaire survey. Features of eWOM such as information quality, credibility, needs, usefulness, adoption level and attitudes towards information are evaluated by statistical analysis, including mean, standard deviation and Pearson correlation coefficient. Result: eWOM content regarding study abroad on TikTok had a favorable response by students. Information’s usefulness received the highest rating among the analyzed variables, and students’ attitudes towards along with the acceptance of study abroad eWOM content on TikTok tended to be positive. However, information credibility scored the lowest on average, showing the fact that students’ suspicion about the reliability and completeness of these content. Conclusion: TikTok functions mostly as an additional source, even if it is growing progressively more crucial in informing students about study abroad options and influencing their opinions. Implications: This research demonstrates that authentic and trustworthy content is more important and successful than traditional advertising approaches in influencing student choices.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

rk

Publisher

Subject

Arts Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Library & Information Science Social Sciences

Description

Jurnal Ranah Komunikasi is a periodical scientific journal that publishes the results of research or study of literature. This journal published by the Department of Communication Sciences FISIP Unand with E-ISSN 2656-4718 dan P-ISSN-2302-8106. Jurnal Ranah Komunikasi focuses on publishing and ...