Impact of Perceived Internationalization of Higher Education on Student Outcomes

Abstract

Given the multitude of international education options available to students, academic institutions need to understand better how international students perceive their internationalization efforts and how these perceptions influence student outcomes. Employing quantitative and qualitative methods, this study investigated how student satisfaction and performance are impacted by perceived internationalization. Primary data were collected from 124 international students enrolled in a state university in Thailand using a pre-tested questionnaire. The data were assessed for validity and reliability through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Bottom of Form The predicted relationships were examined using path analysis and mediation analysis. Results indicated neutrality in students' perceptions of their international educational environment and experience. Perceived internationalization was directly related to satisfaction. However, the path modeling analysis showed a negative mediating effect of satisfaction on the relationship between perceived internationalization and performance. This finding suggests that international students may still perform well academically even in non-satisfying educational contexts. The implications for higher education institutions present opportunities to align policies, strategies, and actions toward developing a truly international learning environment that will be beneficial for students.