My ongoing qualitative dissertation research analyzes (particularly Taiwanese) prospective international students' subjective experiences as they navigate decisions about studying abroad. In the face of global economic instability and an increasingly multipolar world order, I investigate how these students' information environments, their credentials/preparation, and their access to social resources aid their exercise of agency in their academic careers and life courses. I am also exploring parallels with the experiences of students from China, Japan, and the other former Asian Tiger economies (Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore).