Abstract
BackgroundWhile the number of international students has increased over the last decade, such students face diverse challenges due to language and cultural barriers. International medical students suffer from personal distress and a lack of support. Their performance is significantly lower than non-international peers in clinical examinations. We investigated whether international students benefit from a peer-led exam preparation course.MethodsAn exam preparation course was designed, and relevant learning objectives were defined. Two evaluations were undertaken: Using a qualitative approach, tutees (N = 10) were asked for their thoughts and comments in a semi-structured interview at the end of the semester. From a quantitative perspective, all participants (N = 22) were asked to complete questionnaires at the end of each course session.ResultsInternational students reported a range of significant benefits from the course as they prepared for upcoming exams. They benefited from technical and didactic, as well as social learning experiences. They also considered aspects of the tutorial’s framework helpful.ConclusionSocial and cognitive congruence seem to be the key factors to success within international medical students’ education. If tutors have a migration background, they can operate as authentic role models. Furthermore, because they are still students themselves, they can offer support using relevant and understandable language.
Highlights
While the number of international students has increased over the last decade, such students face diverse challenges due to language and cultural barriers
International students face diverse challenges resulting from language and cultural barriers [4, 5], academic and financial difficulties [6], interpersonal problems [7], racial discrimination [8], lack of social support [9], alienation and homesickness [6, 8]
Focusing on international medical students, it can be shown that they are exposed to greater disadvantages in the application process at universities [10,11,12,13], more often suffer from personal distress [14], have a reduced quality of life [15], and report insufficient support [12] and the loss of social contacts [16]
Summary
While the number of international students has increased over the last decade, such students face diverse challenges due to language and cultural barriers. Focusing on international medical students, it can be shown that they are exposed to greater disadvantages in the application process at universities [10,11,12,13], more often suffer from personal distress [14], have a reduced quality of life [15], and report insufficient support [12] and the loss of social contacts [16].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
