International Students in Higher Education: Identification of Needs and Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract

This study assesses the needs of international students in higher education and examines their overall experiences since entering an institution of higher learning in the United States. More specifically, the investigation focuses on the similarities and differences of the students as a function of their geographical region and other demo-graphic factors such as gender, degree objective, and field of study. Survey feedback was received from 640 volunteer respondents. The results indicate that female students typically have greater needs than the male international students for campus services and that the international students from various regions differ in their needs. The undergraduate international students reported a greater need for services than did the graduate international students. The findings also indicate that international students majoring in science fields have the highest needs. Students with higher grade point averages reported fewer needs. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.