Attitudes of international music students from East Asia toward US higher education institutions

Abstract

Nine National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredited universities in the United States (US) with the greatest populations of international students were surveyed to identify the status of East Asian international students’ attitudes toward their schools. Among East Asian international music students at US higher education institutions, the results indicated that the professor’s reputation, scholarships, and the program’s reputation were perceived as the most influential factors impacting the program choice; a good relationship with professors, good feedback from professors, and emotional stability were perceived as the most influential factors impacting academic success; and the professor’s teaching, the professor’s expertise, and the improvement of musical skills were perceived as the most influential factors impacting students’ satisfaction levels. The most problematic issues reported were the language barrier and the cultural differences between their host and home countries. In addition, many of the East Asian international music students in this study noted financial difficulties. Recommendation and conclusion are provided for US institutions and East Asian international students.