scholarly journals Sociocultural and academic adaptation of international students in a higher education institution

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 519-524
Author(s):  
Tatiana Vasil'evna Konyukhova
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Academic Adaptation

scholarly journals The Problems of Linguistic and Academic Adaptation of International Students in Russia

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 628-640
Author(s):  
Oksana A. Beregovaya ◽  
Viacheslav I. Kudashov
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Academic Adaptation

Introduction. In the context of internationalization of higher education, attracting students from abroad is considered a tool for strengthening the country’s positions in the world’s educational space. The paper addresses the issue of linguistic and academic adaptation of international students in Russia. International students tend to experience difficulties when adapting to a new/different socio-cultural environment. The relevance of the article is determined by strengthening of integration processes, international relations, competing trends between higher education systems in the world. Materials and Methods. The quantitative research into barriers to the linguistic and academic adaptation of international students in Novosibirsk universities, conducted by the authors in April 2018, is presented. The survey of international students (N = 310) in Novosibirsk universities identified the main barriers to linguistic and academic adaptation. The survey had been created online through an Internet-based survey application Google Forms. The authors employed general scientific methods and the sociological method while conducting research. Results. We studied two groups of students. Group 1 included students from post-Soviet countries (N1 = 256) and group 2 included students from other countries (beyond post-Soviet countries) (N2 = 54). International students are experiencing difficulties. There are common problems for all international students in academic adaptation: low general educational level; weak training in core disciplines and special subjects; the difference between forms and methods of teaching in a Russian university from the forms and methods of instruction in domestic the higher education institution. The main barrier to the successful adaptation of international students is the language barrier which affects the academic barrier. Most international students who do not speak Russian are not able to fully comprehend lectures and understand other educational materials. International students need to quickly master the language, adapt to a learning system and fit into another culture in order to successfully learn. Local and regional programs should be developed to support international students to effectively involve them in a new environment. The research results demonstrate a positive impact of socialization on adaptation. Discussion and Conclusion. Analysis of Russian and international studies of linguistic and academic adaptation shows that the most effective ways to overcome the adaptation difficulties include orientation programs as domestic supplementary educational programs, refresher courses for teaching staff involved in training international students, and a set of socializing services for international students. The goals are to study psychological, intercultural, social problems of adaptation of international students in Russia. The results of the research presented in the article will aid in the organization of training of international students at the university. The article can be useful for teaching staff and managers of Russian universities and international researchers. The obtained results contribute to the development of theoretical and methodological base for studying the problems of international students adaptation.

scholarly journals Creativity for tourism curricula: results and implications

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-351
Author(s):  
Kamila Perederenko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Significant Factors

Creative specialists are highly demanded in the tourism labour market. This fact is highlighted in the significance of the study on how creativity is fostered in tourism higher education. The objective of this study is to develop a tool for creativity evaluation. In order to attain this objective a  literature review to identify underlying variables used to measure creativity has been done. The most significant models and tools have been analysed. The empirical part of the research provides an analysis of the evaluation of creativity needs of Latvian tourism students. This report analyses the findings of the second stage of the research  – a  questionnaire survey conducted in a well-acknowledged higher education institution in Latvia providing internationally accredited tourism programs. For this stage of the research questionnaires were randomly distributed among local and international students of tourism programs. The results of the study enabled identification of the most significant factors in evaluating creativity.

International Higher Education Students and Educators Psychological Experiences of Covid-19 in an Emerging Country

2021 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 33-48
Author(s):  
Kayi Ntinda ◽  
Nomazulu Ngozwana
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
International Higher Education ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Psychological Experiences

The Coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) is hastily spreading, bringing pressure and challenges to international students and educators in a higher education institution who were locked down on campus during the COVID-19 outbreak. We sought to explore psychological experiences of international higher education students and educators during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted. Participants were 20 conveniently selected international higher education students and educators who were locked down on Campus from March 20 to September 25, 2020. The interviews were conducted face to face. Data were thematically analysed. The study was informed by the ecological systems theory. The psychological experiences of international higher education students and educators during COVID-19 pandemic were categorized in to four themes. Frist negative emotions present in early stages involving discomfort, anxiety and helplessness caused by isolation, fear and concern for safety. Second self-coping strategies included psychological and life adjustments, social distancing, acceptance of wearing of masks, hand sanitizing and online/blended learning. Third we reported growth under the crisis which included affection for family members, peers and self-reflection. Finally, we reported that positive emotions occurred concurrently with negative emotions. During the COVID-19 crisis positive and negative emotions of international higher education students and educators intertwined and co-occurred. Self-coping strategies and psychological growth played a crucial role in maintaining mental health of the students and educators. The international students and educators in a higher education institution appeared to be thriving in coping with the COVID19 crisis and lockdown situation which enhanced their participation in online/blended learning.

scholarly journals Vietnamese Graduate International Student Repatriates: Reverse Adjustment

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anh T. Le ◽  
Barbara Y. LaCost
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Culture Shock ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
The U.S

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of Vietnamese international students who have returned to Vietnam after graduation from a U.S. higher education institution. The findings suggest that participants found it harder to readjust to Vietnam than to adjust to the U.S. even though they had lived most of their lives in Vietnam. Time in the U.S. had changed them considerably, making it difficult for them to fit back into their old lives in Vietnam. Most of them did not expect to experience reserve culture shock, and most had made real efforts to fit back into the Vietnamese environment and culture.

scholarly journals Exploring Cultural Intelligence Skills among International Postgraduate Students at a Higher Education Institution

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
Faizah Idrus
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Cultural Intelligence ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Social Lives

Recognising the importance of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is crucial to any Higher Education Institution (HEI) hosting international students. Thus, the investigation seeks to explore postgaduates experiences, perceptions, challenges and strategies in accommodating their friends’ from diverse cultural backgrounds in their daily academic and social lives. A qualitative research design was employed in that 15 international postgraduate students from 5 faculties were interviewed (using semi-structured interview protocol) in relation to their experience, understanding and behaviour towards cultural knowledge and skills. Rigourous thematic analysis following Braun & Clark (2006) was carried out. The main findings indicated that international students faced huge challenges during the acculturation and adaptation processes trying to be accepted or to blend in, unaware of Cultural Intelligence. Positive reactions from international students prevailed. External and internal factors posed as huge setback to their success in communication and studies. It can be concluded that with prior awareness and understanding of CQ and cultural diversity, international students could be more prepared in adjusting to academia, thus be more successful in their studies. The findings of this study are of paramount importance to HEIs, International and Student Admission offices around the globe.

Exploring factors influencing international students’ decision to choose a higher education institution

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa James-MacEachern ◽  
Dongkoo Yun
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Actual Decision

Purpose There is little research into small higher education institutions and international students’ choice in selecting these institutions. The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors that influence international student choices in selecting a small institution. In particular, this study compares the differences between Chinese students and other international students in selecting an institution, specifically based on sources of information used, usefulness of the information, pull motivations, and reference groups/items. Design/methodology/approach This research study examined undergraduate international students at a small-sized Canadian higher education institution. “International students” were surveyed – as the total population included all students who are studying at the institution on a study permit or a temporary resident (visitor) visa. All full-time and part-time international students attending the institution were eligible to participate in the survey regardless of their faculty or major. For the sampling process, international students at the institution were intercepted on campus using convenient sampling and personal interview method to participate in the survey. In addition, students were invited within the classroom to volunteer to complete the survey. They were able to complete either a paper-based survey or an online survey by following a hyperlink. Findings Results indicate that international students considered “the university’s website” as the most used information source but perceived “direct communication from the institution” as the highest ranked usefulness of the information when selecting a small institution. Further, findings indicate that international student cohorts perceived “environmental cues and educational facilities” as the most important pull motivational factor and the institution itself as the reference that has the most significant influence on student decision making. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted on students who were surveyed following their enrolment and attendance at the institution. Students were surveyed at various stages of their undergraduate studies. As a result, some of these responses may be several years from the actual decision of selecting an institution and student recall may not be accurately reflected. In addition, examining student decision making prior to, during, and immediately following their choice of institution would most likely create better information as student attitudes and perceptions would be recorded closer to the actual decision. In addition, given that these students are attending the institution their actual experience on-campus may have impacted their responses either positively or negatively. Practical implications This study provides insight into international student choice in choosing smaller institutions. These findings can support recruitment policy and strategy for international students and may assist in enhancing institutional performance. Social implications The study reinforces the need for policy makers, institutional leaders and recruiters to understand motivations to pursue overseas studies and to ensure push, pull, and structural factors are aligned for successful student recruitment outcomes. While there is commonality among international student cohorts, there are also significant differences that need to be addressed by institutions and destinations for international students. These findings are presented from one small higher education institution in Canada. Originality/value This study created new knowledge regarding international student decision making in choosing to study at a small higher education institution. The study compared the key factors that influenced decision making and identified differences among Chinese students and other international students. There is little research into the international student decision making and small institutions. This study provides unique insight into international student choice and influences on their decision making.

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