The Impact of Medical Education Quality on Career Adaptability for International Students in China: The Mediating Role of Proactive Career Planning Behavior

Background: The quality of medical education plays a significant role in shaping the career outcomes of international students. As they navigate the challenges of their studies and career paths in a foreign country, understanding the elements that influence their career adaptability is essential. Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of medical education quality on career adaptability among international students in China and to emphasize the mediating role of proactive career planning behavior. It also investigates challenges related to cultural adjustment. Methodology: A quantitative technique is employed in a cross-sectional survey of international medical students in China. Information was collected from 575 valid responses through structured questionnaires. The research utilizes regression analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the relationships between medical education quality, career adaptability, proactive career planning behavior, and cultural adjustment challenges. Result: The evaluation revealed that medical education quality positively influences career adaptability (p < 0.001, β = 0.45). Proactive career planning behavior was found to positively influence career adaptability (p < 0.001, β = 0.38). Medical education quality positively influences proactive career planning behavior (p < 0.001, β = 0.50), and proactive career planning behavior mediated the connection between medical education quality and career adaptability (p = 0.013, β = 0.20). Cultural adjustment challenges moderated the relationship between medical education quality and career adaptability, with a significant interaction effect (p = 0.032, β = -0.15). Conclusion: The research emphasizes the significance of high-quality medical education in promoting career adaptability among international students, highlighting proactive career planning and examining cultural adjustment challenges for optimal career outcomes. These insights can inform educational practices and support services for international medical students, aiming to enhance their career readiness and adaptability in a global context.