International Student Exchange Programs Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Virtual Student Exchange Program on Personal and Speaking Proficiency Development of Indonesian EFL Students

Previous studies have shown that studying abroad such as participating in a student exchange program affects the second language (L2) learning outcomes. However, it has yet to be proven whether a short-term experience, such as participation in a virtual student exchange program has a measurable impact on L2 or foreign language development. The present study examines the improvement of English learners speaking skills after participating in a six-week international virtual student exchange program on Asian culture. It is a collaboration among health education institutions in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and The Philippines. This study employed quantitative and qualitative methods. Ten Indonesian EFL students were involved in this study and their speaking proficiency was measured before and after participating in the virtual program. A structured interview was also conducted to yield more information on their experience in the program. Statistic findings indicated a significant difference between the students’ speaking proficiency before and after the program (Sig. = 0.004 < 0.05), which meant that their English-speaking proficiency improved over six weeks. The statistical findings are consistent with the student's report stating that they felt more confident and comfortable speaking in English upon participation in the program. These findings extend our understanding that a short-term virtual student exchange experience significantly impacts the speaking proficiency and personal development of Indonesian EFL students. The results of this study imply that efforts to support such international virtual programs should continue.

Thai Conversation Learning and Teaching for Foreigners Based on Thai Culture Context in the CTLF Program at Kasetsart University: Evolution and Inno-Creative Approach

The objectives of this research article were to survey the evolution of Thai conversation learning based on Thai culture studies for foreign students in the International B.A. Program in Communicative Thai Language for Foreigners (CTLF) at Kasetsart University from the Program’s beginning up until the present day, and to explore the inno-creative approaches to be added in the digital era. The findings revealed that Thai conversation for foreigners was first offered as one of the core subjects in the International B.A. Program in the CTLF at Kasetsart University, which was founded in 2008. It has evolved and grown from the first program to the current program. Its course outlines have been revised based on content relevant to Thai culture studies. This has helped to achieve success in learning. To help Thai conversation learning become more successful in the digital era, the following 10 inno-creative approaches should be focused on, namely, 1. Digital and Innovative Learning and Teaching 2. Touch screen materials and inno-creative textbooks 3. Intellectual Networking and Joint Thai Learning and Teaching 4. Cross-cultural Communication through Inter-culture Diffusions 5. Learning and teaching based on multiculturalism 6. International Student Exchange Programs 7. Knowledge-career-life Skills 8. Continuing and Thai Language Learning and teaching Networking 9. High Technology-based Learning and teaching in the Digital Era and 10. Buddhist Moral knowledge and balanced development in the digital era. Furthermore, digital technologies and inno-creative learning such as devices and innovative textbooks as keys to success should be taken into account in order to drive Thai conversation learning.

An Investigation into the Benefits and Challenges of International Student Exchange Programs: Perspectives from Student Teachers

This study explores the perspectives of student teachers from Can Tho University, Vietnam, on the benefits and challenges of engaging in student exchange programs. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data was collected through a survey instrument consisting of multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions. The survey examined student teachers' perceptions of various advantages, including access to new knowledge, enhanced teaching skills, and valuable support from foreign partners and mentors. Additionally, it investigated challenges related to language differences, cultural norms, and time management. The findings shed light on the experiences of student teachers in exchange programs and reveal that one of the most significant reasons for their participation was the desire to expand their international networks and foster meaningful connections with students from other countries. These insights provide valuable guidance for educational institutions in developing effective strategies and support systems to optimize the participation and satisfaction of student teachers in these programs.

English language proficiency, prior knowledge, and student success in an international Chinese accounting program

International student exchange programs have gained popularity as a means to increase enrollments, support international academic partnerships, and improve student preparedness for globalized work environments. However, the relationships between English language proficiency, cultural intelligence, teamwork, self-efficacy, academic success, and other factors within these programs are not clear. This study investigates the correlations among international accounting students’ English language proficiency, accounting knowledge, and academic performance in a transnational education program in mainland China. Data were obtained from academic records of 104 accounting students enrolled in the program. A quantitative measuring of the Pearson correlation statistical tests were employed to measure the relationships between English language proficiency and academic performance, as well as between previous accounting knowledge and academic success. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between English language proficiency and academic performance, and between previous accounting knowledge and academic success. This study has significant implications for transnational education programs, academic institutions, and policymakers and provides insights into effective strategies for enhancing the quality of transnational education programs and promoting the internationalization of higher education.

Learning Arabic Communication Through Virtual International Student Exchange Program: Sustainability Innovation in Language

Learning Arabic Communication Through Virtual International Student Exchange Program: Sustainability Innovation in Language

Академическая мобильность как инструмент международного коммуникативного взаимодействия вузов

The present research featured the effect of academic mobility on international communicative interaction. The objective was to identify the role of international academic mobility in the PR activities of universities. The study relied on the method of content analysis of domestic and foreign scientific publications. The authors used the method of problem interviews to develop an online questionnaire for students involved in international student exchange programs. The authors described the term of PR-technology, as well as the most popular PR activities and types of international academic mobility in higher education institutions. Academic mobility proved to be one of the most effective PR-technologies of higher education institutions. The article introduces a classification of international academic mobility as a process that provides international communicative interaction. International academic mobility proved to have a significant impact on the image of universities and their students in the international arena, as well as on the status of the country in geopolitical, economic, and civil areas.

АЛЬЯНС НАУКИ И ПРАКТИКИ: ОПЫТ ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫХ СТАЖИРОВОК ПО СТОМАТОЛОГИИ В УГМУ

Objectives. Since 2018, the Faculty of Dentistry of UGMU has started implementing an international student exchange program within the framework of IADS (International Association of Dental Students), during which students undergo internships at the Faculty of Dentistry and at the dental clinic of UGMU for 2-4 weeks. The purpose of this event is to show the possibilities of such a form of training for future dentists as an international internship at the Faculty of Dentistry, as part of the exchange of students between universities.
 Material, methods, results. In July 2018, 4 fifth-year students studying in the specialty "Dentistry" at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and 1 fourth-year student of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Iran) (in English) came to the IADS internship in the profile "Dentistry". In July 2021, a scientific and clinical internship of foreign dental students was held for three students from Croatia and Germany. The training cycle consists of lectures and practical exercises with the development of manual skills. During the internship, the guests get acquainted with the structure of USMU, visit the bases of the Faculty of Dentistry for practical training, the vivarium and the central research laboratory of USMU.
 Conclusions. The experience of conducting international internships for foreign students is a promising direction in the development of the university, which is successfully being introduced into the international space. A vivid proof of this statement is that the Dental Faculty of the Ural State Medical University (USMU) in 2021 was awarded an award for conducting an international clinical exchange from the International Association of Dental Students (IADS).

Learning English through International Student Exchange Programs: English Education Department Students’ Voices

English language learning is a process that students must go through in order to reach the optimum level of proficiency in the language. International student exchange programs are activities that might assist students in practicing and improving their English. The purposes of this study were to investigate the benefits and to identify the challenges of participating in an international student exchange program while studying English at the English Language Education Department of an Islamic Private University in Yogyakarta. The research design for this study was a qualitative descriptive one. The data for this study were gathered through interviews. Three students from the English Language Education Department of a private Islamic university in Yogyakarta participated in this investigation. The first finding concerned the advantages of participating in an international student exchange program while studying English. It shown that participating in international student exchange programs aided students in making foreign friends, interacting with native English speakers, practicing, and improving their English abilities, and boosting their self-confidence. The second result concerned the challenges associated with participating in an international student exchange program to improve their English. It demonstrated that students who participated in an international student exchange program failed to engage with local people outside of school and experienced culture shock. All associated parties, including students, host universities, university senders, and the program's committee, should organize and execute the program's activities with care and attention, beginning with the program's planning, preparation, deployment, evaluations, and follow-up.

Levels of satisfaction of students when joining student exchange programs abroad

Studying abroad has become a trend in the world and Vietnam. When studying overseas in developed countries, students have many opportunities to improve their professional skills, foreign language and experience new cultures with people from many different countries and territories. From there, they can expand relationships in many countries, prepare for an open future ahead. Short-term exchange study abroad programs at universities in the region and around the world are pretty diverse, and each program is of great value to students with unique characteristics, distinctive features with specific characteristics. Among them are the international student exchange programs in Vietnam and typically can be said to be FPT University. This article is completed from the results of comparing and contrasting research, previous and current documents, combined with actual surveys and interviews. Research results show that the level of student satisfaction when participating in international student exchange programs. It is relatively high, which shows that students need to study abroad is hidden and should be exploited to provide opportunities for students to develop their inherent capacities, contributing to adequate education and training at the tertiary education level. Besides, it contributes to narrowing the educational gap between developed and developing countries, especially during significant development of education worldwide.

Uluslararası Yükseköğrenim Öğrencilerinin Temel Sorun Alanları: Azerbaycan Uyruklu Öğrenciler Üzerinde Nitel Bir Çözümleme

The international student mobility, aiming to create and sustain international integration has been an essential part of the education market in the 21st century. However, while such international student exchange programs contribute to the students and the cities hosting them, they bring along some problems. The aim of this study is to identify the main problem areas that international university students are likely to encounter. By applying the qualitative research method, the phenomenological research design was used in the study since it aims to reveal the problems of students based on their individual experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with the Azerbaijani students studying at Akdeniz University selected as the research sample, which were then descriptively analyzed. The main problems were identified as “economic problems, inability to understand the local language, problems with accommodation, feeling cheated and intimidated, being inexperienced, lack of knowledge about the formal procedures, cultural diversity, lack of support, and exclusion”. The problems regarding finance and accommodation emerged as the most frequently mentioned problems. The main strategies to overcome these problems are also discussed.

Investigation of Intercultural Sensitivity and Ethnocentrism Levels of Midwife Candidates in Turkey Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study.

As women experience cultural practices during their lifespan, midwives' displaying a culture-specific approach from the school years is of great importance for the quality of care. This study was conducted to determine the intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism levels of midwife candidates in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,616 midwifery students who studied in seven different regions of Turkey in the 2018-2019 academic year. Data were collected through a questionnaire, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, and Ethnocentrism Scale. It was determined that the variables such as the region where the midwife candidates grew up and location of the university, their years at school, and having friends from different cultures were effective on their intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism levels (p < .05). Consequently, it is concluded that international student exchange programs and culture-sensitive-based care approaches during midwifery education will increase the intercultural sensitivity levels of students and contribute to reducing ethnocentrism levels.

Practice on CSU-CCECC-ABU Cooperation Mode

Student exchange program has been an integral part of higher education, which is popularly known as international joint-, double-, and combined-degree programs, which perform an important role in which its strategic plan is aimed to allow students to become true global citizens. Educational Internationalization strategy brings important benefits to individuals, institutions, and the nation’s education systems. The international student exchange program is not only a powerful tool in strengthening the relationship between two institutions but also helps in building the social, political, and economic development of the partner nations. Also, it is among the most cost-effective ways to project influence around the world. Educational cooperation on student’s exchange has been of positive impact on the status of any country, institution, and students which has directly influenced the society at its eminent background for an only positive outcome and a brighter future. The maiden practice of CSU-CCECC-ABU cooperation was in line with the mission of both universities to deeply promote collaborative innovations to meet the needs and challenges of both Nigeria, the Peoples Republic of China, and the rest of the world.This paper first outlined the background concepts and explicitly analyzed the pattern of cooperation practice, research on the National, University, and Students benefits respectively. Second, it provided a comprehensive description of challenges faced by exchange students during their stay in China. Third, suggestions were also provided on how to improve and sustain the educational cooperation practice of the joint degree program. Furthermore, it provides the current status of the CSU-CCECC-ABU cooperation practice. Finally, the paper provides directions to subsequent research studies.

Friends Matter: The Relationship Between Korean International Students’ Friendship Networks and Study Abroad Outcomes

This study examined the determinants of international students’ interactions with different friendship networks and the relationships of these interactions with study abroad outcomes, using data from 482 Korean college students who had participated in international student exchange programs. The results showed that students’ participation in extracurricular and off-campus activities while studying abroad was significantly related to their interactions with local and other international students. The results also showed that students’ interactions with co-national, local, and other international students while studying abroad were positively associated with their intercultural competence, personal development, and career development, even after controlling for other variables. We discuss the policy implications of these findings beyond the Korean context.

Thriving in Indonesian Academia: French Students’ Intercultural Communication Competence in Studying Abroad

To gain international recognition, many universities in Indonesia offer international student exchange programs, one of which is the credit transfer program. Participants in that program have differences in communicative competence. That holds for Indonesian students studying abroad and vice versa. This study analyzes the intercultural communication skills of international students and aims to acquire comprehensive information on intercultural competencies based on the students’ intercultural sensitivity, awareness and adroitness. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among international students at one university in Indonesia, involving six French students from the student exchange program who studied for one semester. The data was obtained via focused group discussion and interviews. Chen and Starosta's intercultural competence model was used as an analytical tool. The findings indicate that the students have proper intercultural communication competence, which helps them in implementing their communication strategies, adjusting to and thriving in a new cultural and academic environment.

Does Gender Matter? Student Mobility in Georgia. A Case Study

While integration into the European Union is one of the priorities of Georgia, internationalization of higher educational institutions and international student mobility is of a particular importance. The present paper serves exactly this purpose and outlines the preliminary assumption that gender stereotypes, cultural aspects and family traditions have a negative impact on students’ equal access to student exchange programs in Georgia. Although female students are more involved into international student exchange programs, they are at the same time facing bigger obstacles to do so. The mentioned problem refers mainly to females who cannot decide the issue of their participation in exchange programs alone, without their family’s involvement. The study revealed that the participation of female students in exchange programs especially increases year by year, while only a slight increase of the number of male students is demonstrated. The mentioned finding is in absolute coincidence with the events in Europe, where female participation has exceeded male participation long ago. In the light of the fact that this issue has never been studied before, the present paper may somewhat complement the gap in literature or build a foundation for the research in this field, as it discusses the individual factors of refusal to participate in exchange programs by female students, as well as interruptive and hindering circumstances, which in most cases come from family.&#x0D; Keywords: student mobility, higher education, gender, Georgia

Technology for assessing students’ satisfaction with studying at a higher state education institution

The technology for evaluating student satisfaction includes conducting a social survey of students based on eight main criteria. Based on the results of a social survey, an assessment of overall satisfaction with studying at a state University is given. The introduction provides an overview of changes in regulatory and legal documents. The main goal of the research is to analyze the social survey of students. The article describes a sociological survey of University students, the criterion of "satisfaction with learning conditions". The evaluation criteria included eight main factors. 890 students were interviewed. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction were identified. The study describes students’ suggestions for improving the educational process in conditions of self-isolation, during the COVID-19 period. Each indicator was evaluated. Identified activities that Satisfy/unsatisfactory student learning. The strengths of the Russian state social University are revealed. The scientific novelty of the proposed research is a social survey of students "satisfaction with the learning conditions" during the period of forced self-isolation. In conclusion, the results of the social survey are summarized. The best quotes of students are given. There are useful links to the University’s information sources. International student exchange programs are listed. Countries for the exchange of education have been identified. In conclusion, the statistics of the analysis of satisfaction with training are given. The University trains students with disabilities. The University has excellent material and technical equipment and a virtual educational environment. The final review of training at the Russian state social University is positive. A natural science study was conducted to identify cause-and-effect relationships.

The International Student Exchange Programs of Gunma University Showa Campus

The International Student Exchange Programs of Gunma University Showa Campus

Physics – IT based international student exchange program

International student exchange programs are an integral part of the life of high school students across Europe. The popularity of these programs is understandable because the participating students can not only learn foreign languages, but they can also learn new cultures and make friends. The motivating force of this popularity was used in our program to bring even those students closer to science and engineering, who perhaps would not ever get closer to these areas. In our paper, we present a “project week” alike event, in which we used a simple, manageable, affordable and programmable electronic kit – Arduino – for the development of relevant competencies of our students and for the knowledge of physics and information technology.

Internationalization of Medical Education and the Anatomy Course ‐ Outcomes of an International Partnership of 11 Anatomy Departments in 4 Continents

Study ObjectiveThe purpose of the study is to assess the value of an internationalization of medical education (IoME) program between 11 Anatomy departments that aims to prepare preclinical medical and dental students for future healthcare leadership roles, by providing them with skills in Public Health awareness, cultural competency, reflection on the topic of body donation, early networking opportunities and basic sciences experiences.Statement of MethodsWe previously reported on our experience in IoME with 6 countries that was initiated through the Anatomy courses. The present study includes 11 Anatomy departments on 4 continents (Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany (2), Japan (2), Taiwan, UK and USA) with a total of 183 preclinical Anatomy participants (n=18 dental students, n=165 medical students). Students worked in smaller groups than in the previous years (n=3–4). Discussion topics i.e. differences in the Anatomy courses, international healthcare education and delivery, Global/Public Health, health ethics and health law were further refined. Students worked on a collaborative paper, created a video presentation and presented their work at a large virtual conference. Subsequently they traveled to the partner countries to perform basic sciences research. Questionnaires after the travels were analyzed and are now being presented.A new data point includes an international discussion on the topic of body donation. Students interviewed each other about their thoughts on body donation and their experience working with donated bodies in the different countries and submitted written statements. Comparison of these written statements are underway.Summary of ResultsResults indicate that students felt that they learned from each other during the small group sessions in regard to healthcare education and delivery, Global/Public Health, health ethics and health law. We observed a level of appreciation of what they have at home and cultural awareness. Results also demonstrate that the travels help with building research techniques skills, cultural competency and social connections.We expect differences in the reflection on the topic of body donation due to the differences in the body donation process in the different countries.ConclusionsWe here present our updated experience with a unique international student exchange program that is introduced via the Anatomy course. Anatomy departments can serve as an anchor for international student exchanges, contribute to studies of cultural differences in body donation practices and contribute to Global/Public Health awareness education.Support or Funding InformationNoneThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Changes in the department of physical therapy students' awareness after an international student exchange program.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the change in students’ awareness of one’s possibility in terms of being able to make oneself understood in English after an international student exchange program. [Participants and Methods] A total of 15 students (4 males, 11 females), with a mean age of 19.2 ± 0.4 years, who were interested in international exchange programs participated in this survey. The study used a questionnaire that was administered before and after the international student exchange program. A visual analog scale was used to assess the changes in awareness. [Results] Significant differences were noted between students’ responses to the questionnaire before and after the international exchange program. The students indicated that they were “Confident at communicating with foreign people,” interested in “Study abroad or overseas activities in future,” and chose the response “Want more opportunities to study with overseas medical students.” [Conclusion] We investigated the change in awareness before and after an international student exchange program. The results suggested that even a short-term exchange influenced students’ awareness.