Experiences of International Students at a Canadian University: Barriers and Supports
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| Title: | Experiences of International Students at a Canadian University: Barriers and Supports |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Howe, Edward R., Ramirez, Gloria, Walton, Patrick |
| Source: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 2023 15(2):115-133. |
| Availability: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 3107 B Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. e-mail: oic213@lehigh.edu; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jcihe/index |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, College Students, Foreign Students, Study Abroad, Student Experience, Affordances, Barriers, Racism, Equal Education, Student Diversity, Student Attitudes, Cultural Awareness, Student Needs, Interpersonal Relationship, Academic Support Services, Faculty Advisers, Language Usage, Student Adjustment, Costs, Student Employment, Skills |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe |
| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
| Abstract: | Universities in Canada are increasingly attracting international students, but few studies have examined their academic and social experiences. This research identified the key supports and barriers for international students in order to make policy-relevant recommendations. This convergent mixed-methods study combined survey (n = 104) and interview (n = 14) data to investigate international student experiences through the lens of international students. Exploratory factor analyses revealed writing and mathematics skills and relationships with faculty and students as key factors for success. Frequency analyses revealed that racism was a persistent barrier. Assistance, access, diversity and equity issues were also raised. Open and axial coding of qualitative data corroborated these findings and revealed three dimensions of internationalization according to international students' perspectives: Exchange; Understanding, Sharing, and Support; and Transformation. Recommendations to universities included offering bursaries to international students from underrepresented regions, developing intercultural awareness of faculty, and providing program-specific student support centres with peer mentors. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1381323 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Universities in Canada are increasingly attracting international students, but few studies have examined their academic and social experiences. This research identified the key supports and barriers for international students in order to make policy-relevant recommendations. This convergent mixed-methods study combined survey (n = 104) and interview (n = 14) data to investigate international student experiences through the lens of international students. Exploratory factor analyses revealed writing and mathematics skills and relationships with faculty and students as key factors for success. Frequency analyses revealed that racism was a persistent barrier. Assistance, access, diversity and equity issues were also raised. Open and axial coding of qualitative data corroborated these findings and revealed three dimensions of internationalization according to international students' perspectives: Exchange; Understanding, Sharing, and Support; and Transformation. Recommendations to universities included offering bursaries to international students from underrepresented regions, developing intercultural awareness of faculty, and providing program-specific student support centres with peer mentors. |
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| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
