Survey Of International Students Research Articles

Integrating Culture in Foreign Language Teaching: Case of Teaching Vietnamese for Foreigners in Vietnam

Cultural integration in foreign language teaching is one of the ways to help learners develop language competence. In foreign language teaching, there have been many successful models of cultural integration. Vietnamese is also a foreign language of interest in some countries. In Vietnam, a cultural integration model in teaching Vietnamese to foreigners has been initially implemented with good results. The program was based on a number of culturally integrated teaching models to help foreigners learn Vietnamese effectively, including such elements as cultural experience (learning to sing folk songs and taking part in plays), and using literary texts (songs, proverbs). The purpose of this article is to report on a study of the effectiveness of this cultural integration program teaching Vietnamese to overseas students at the Thai Nguyen University of Education. The study involved scrutiny of documents, curricula and teaching methods, along with a survey of international students’ perceptions of three particular aspects of the program focused on cultural integration. The study also sought to gauge whether the Vietnamese language ability of the international student learners had been improved by engagement in the new program in comparison with student performance from the previous year. While such improvement was evident, the study offers suggestions for further improvement of the program.
 
 Received: 29 April 2022 / Accepted: 30 June 2022 / Published: 5 July 2022

Coping Strategies in the Situation of Adaptation of International Students to Study at a Medical University

Introduction. The relevance of the research is determined by the search for scientific data, the practical use of which allows us to optimize the process of adaptation of international students receiving a medical education/ occupation in Russia. Success on this path is an additional factor in the competition in the global market of educational services. The purpose of the study: following the analysis of the adaptation resources of international students, to identify the main coping strategies in the situation of adaptation to learning at a medical university. Materials and Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research rests on the works by R. Lazarus and J. Amirkhan. To determine the degree of socio-cultural adaptation, we conducted a survey of international students. The questions of the authorʼs questionnaire were compiled on the basis of the L. V. Yankovsky’s test on the adaptation of the individual to the new socio-cultural environment. The repertoire of coping strategies of international students was determined after the method of analysis of coping methods by R. Lazarus and S. Folkman. In the course of the work, methods of analysis, synthesis, and generalization were also used. Results. Based on the study, the main factors of socio-psychological adaptation that affect the choice of coping strategies are identified and described. It is noted that the personality structure and its components such as the level of intelligence, self-esteem and internal beliefs determine the degree and nature of the adaptation process of international students: internal resources of the individual (upbringing, moral guidelines, religion) and social factors (family, friends, etc.). It is established that favorable indicators of external environmental factors contribute to the choice of productive coping strategies, and, conversely, the lack of adaptive resources leads to ineffective coping with the unfavorable circumstances of new academic and living conditions. Discussion and Conclusion. The conclusions made on the basis of the conducted research contribute to the development of scientific ideas about the process of adaptation of international students studying at a Russian medical university.

Let's make it better: An updated model interpreting international student satisfaction in China based on PLS-SEM approach.

Research studying into student satisfaction has been developing in the light of customer satisfaction theory which considers perceived value and quality as important predictors of student satisfaction. But the importance of value co-creation is very much overlooked. Hence this study intends to examine the relationship between perceived value, perceived quality, value co-creation, student satisfaction, complaint and loyalty to give a picture of how perceived value, perceived quality and value co-creation are important predictors of student satisfaction. Partial least square structural equation modelling is adopted to analyse responses from a survey of international students in a Chinese university. Results indicate that perceived value, perceived quality and value co-creation are determinants of student satisfaction which positively influences loyalty and negatively influences complaint. Finally, the research notes that more resources should be dedicated to engaging international students to participate in on-campus management and service work to improve international student studying experience.

Acceptability of HIV Screening in a Sample of International Students in the United States.

Background and Objectives:HIV transmission from persons unaware of their HIV status occurs more commonly than those who are aware of their status. Knowledge of one’s HIV status may encourage preventive behaviors. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many international students may be willing to accept HIV screening, but empirical evidence to support this claim is lacking. We sought to determine the willingness of international students in the United States (US) to accept HIV screening, if offered.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey of international students at Western Illinois University, USA. The independent variable was the sociodemographic data of our participants; the dependent variable was the acceptance of HIV screening. The covariates were knowledge about HIV and the factors associated with the acceptance of the screening. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were conducted.Results:A total of 185 respondents out of 491 students participated in the online survey. Of these, 107 (57.8%) were males, and 78 (42.8%) were females. Most of the respondents were from Asian countries (64.9%) and African countries (24.9%). The prevalence of acceptance of HIV screening was 74%. Among participants willing to accept screening, if offered, 90% perceived screening would be beneficial to their health. Meanwhile, 83% of those who would refuse the screening were not sexually active.Conclusion and Global Health Implications:Many international students may be interested in getting HIV screening if offered. Awareness of the benefits of HIV screening may influence the decision to screen. Findings may inform further studies that will lead to policy formulations for the health of international students in the US.

Quality Assurances Practices, Training Needs and International Students Mobility: Analysing the Nexuses

The role of education’s quality in determining international students’ choice of study destination was discussed by several studies. However, it only seems to have gained a huge prominence recently by constituting a theme in the quality management field involving empirical studies. In spite of such prominence the theme does not seems to provide sufficient empirical evidence forging a nexus between quality assurance practices, training needs and international student’s mobility. This research work therefore attempts to fill this gap by examining how the search for quality education and training needs satisfaction play role in international student’s mobility. Six dimensions of quality assurance in education were identified through extensive literature reviewed, three dimensions of training needs were equally revealed by the literature. Nine hypotheses were thus developed using these dimensions with the view to explain the relationship among the variables involved. The primary data for this study was obtained through a cross-sectional survey of International students in University Utara Malaysia with the aid of questionnaires, where a total of 150 respondents were selected randomly. Partial Least Squares (PLS) method was adopted in analysing the collected data with smartPLS 2.0 to determine the relationship involved. The result supported the relationship between organizational needs, Tangibility of facilities, Nature of service delivery and international student’s mobility, while the other six relationships were not supported.

The Problems of Linguistic and Academic Adaptation of International Students in Russia

Introduction. In the context of internationalization of higher education, attracting students from abroad is considered a tool for strengthening the country’s positions in the world’s educational space. The paper addresses the issue of linguistic and academic adaptation of international students in Russia. International students tend to experience difficulties when adapting to a new/different socio-cultural environment. The relevance of the article is determined by strengthening of integration processes, international relations, competing trends between higher education systems in the world. Materials and Methods. The quantitative research into barriers to the linguistic and academic adaptation of international students in Novosibirsk universities, conducted by the authors in April 2018, is presented. The survey of international students (N = 310) in Novosibirsk universities identified the main barriers to linguistic and academic adaptation. The survey had been created online through an Internet-based survey application Google Forms. The authors employed general scientific methods and the sociological method while conducting research. Results. We studied two groups of students. Group 1 included students from post-Soviet countries (N1 = 256) and group 2 included students from other countries (beyond post-Soviet countries) (N2 = 54). International students are experiencing difficulties. There are common problems for all international students in academic adaptation: low general educational level; weak training in core disciplines and special subjects; the difference between forms and methods of teaching in a Russian university from the forms and methods of instruction in domestic the higher education institution. The main barrier to the successful adaptation of international students is the language barrier which affects the academic barrier. Most international students who do not speak Russian are not able to fully comprehend lectures and understand other educational materials. International students need to quickly master the language, adapt to a learning system and fit into another culture in order to successfully learn. Local and regional programs should be developed to support international students to effectively involve them in a new environment. The research results demonstrate a positive impact of socialization on adaptation. Discussion and Conclusion. Analysis of Russian and international studies of linguistic and academic adaptation shows that the most effective ways to overcome the adaptation difficulties include orientation programs as domestic supplementary educational programs, refresher courses for teaching staff involved in training international students, and a set of socializing services for international students. The goals are to study psychological, intercultural, social problems of adaptation of international students in Russia. The results of the research presented in the article will aid in the organization of training of international students at the university. The article can be useful for teaching staff and managers of Russian universities and international researchers. The obtained results contribute to the development of theoretical and methodological base for studying the problems of international students adaptation.

Street Law in the 21st Century: Assessing the Impact of the ‘Know the Law’ Pilot Project

Street Law has long been identified as a means by which the community is empowered with relevant and topical information regarding their legal rights, remedies and responsibilities. However, in more recent times, traditional forms of delivery such as in-person legal education seminars may not adequately meet the desires and needs of people who are hoping to access legal information faster and more conveniently than ever before. This article examines a pilot project designed by the University of Newcastle Legal Centre to ensure outreach keeps pace with modern expectations of legal service delivery through the development of the ‘Know the Law’ mobile cache device (‘the site’). Released in early 2016, the site is designed to provide international students with a single platform through which they can access information regarding legal issues considered most relevant to them, such as tenancy, driving and employment. Website analytics have been obtained regarding the number of ‘hits’ on the site, together with a survey of international students who have been exposed to the legal information therein. This article includes key findings in relation to the development, distribution and effectiveness of this pilot project.

International students’ experiences in China: Does the planned reverse mobility work?

This study examines the influx of international students to China in recent years and the corresponding internationalization strategies in the higher education sector. In assessing international students’ learning and socio-cultural experiences in Chinese universities, we review the development of internationalization of China’s higher education from the perspective of inbound international students and the national strategy to develop the country’s soft power and international competitiveness. Data from a nationwide census of international students and the Survey of International Students’ Experience and Satisfaction suggest that China is gradually becoming a key higher education destination for developing countries, particularly for students from neighboring Asian countries. Major challenges for international students include limited English resources, inadequate student-faculty interaction on campus, and difficulties in socio-cultural adjustment. This study outlines the key strengths and limitations of the internationalization of higher education in China and also provides directions for future research in this regard.

Chronicle of a novice researcher: the challenges and rewards

This article reports on the experiences of a novice researcher undertaking a National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) scholarship programme. A summary of the research is provided, which involved a survey of international students completing vocational education and training (VET) courses in Tasmania. Whilst many students reported having local friends and being involved in social and community groups, some students did not feel welcomed by the broader community. The research suggested that community engagement could be enhanced by VET providers making students aware of low or no-cost social activities available to them and providing links to groups such as sporting clubs. The author reflects on the challenges and rewards of carrying out educational research and the impact on his own professional practice in the international education sector. The benefits to his organisation and education sector are considered; it is concluded that research is an excellent form of professional learning.

Higher Education Institutions in India: Perceptions of International Students

This paper is the culmination of a larger research study that was undertaken at Symbiosis Center for International Education (SCIE), a constituent institute of Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune, India. The justifiably groundbreaking study, which pivoted on the findings of a survey of international students, was conceived with the guiding idea of contributing to the discourse on international students’ experiences in India. The debate on the subject of international students has assumed unprecedented proportions in India; for that reason, the scarcity of research on the subject comes as an obtrusive insufficiency. What is more, there is little in terms of experiential investigation — quantitative or qualitative to bear out the scant conceptual writings that do exist on the internationalization of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. The vast majority of published literature is mainly concerned with regional and institutional distribution of international students, and the Government of India initiatives in this regard. The subject of experience and reception of this student group has been wholly forsaken. The research paper upholds that student satisfaction and engagement are the cornerstones of performance indication of hosts to international students: both the country and HEIs. It is from here that conceptual research and policy recommendations ought to branch out. In light of this, the research study was so designed as to arrive at a scientific and definitive overview of the international student community in India. The survey in question compassed the demographic silhouette of international students, as well as the students’ level of cognizance and perception of all manner of aspects related to their respective HEIs and India as host country. The paper avers that the whole exercise of conducting the survey turned out to be very illuminating indeed; the findings were laden rich with information and insights. In addition, it has led to the promise of discovering more loose ends in the subject that merit research interest.

Travel Behavior of International Students at a University in Japan: A Comparison of Chinese and Non-Chinese Students

The purpose of this study is to investigate the travel behavior of international students. Specifically, it is to examine the differences between two groups of students: Chinese and non-Chinese. A mail survey of international students at a university in Japan was conducted. The overall results indicated that international students tended to visit destinations within day-trip distance. A statistical test showed that Chinese students rarely used booking services for car rentals and preferred to stay at tourist hotels; public media was a major source of travel information for them. The non-Chinese students, on the other hand, preferred lodging at campgrounds/cottages and tended to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations of their friends.

Factors Influencing International Students' Choice of an Education Destination–A Correspondence Analysis

ABSTRACT A correspondence analysis technique was employed to elicit information from international students pertaining to their choice of study destination. A survey of international students at a major Australian university revealed that the proximity of the city to the students' home countries, in addition to safety, the educational quality/variety, etc. were the main reason for choosing this city for their study. Other reasons for choice included cost of living and tuition fees. A correspondence analysis (CA) data analysis technique was employed resulting in a two-dimension solution on a safety/proximity and quality/familiarity continuum was considered acceptable. The two-dimension solution with a significant chi-square (χ2) value accounted for 93% of the total variance explained. Results were discussed and future research directions were indicated.

Measuring international students' understanding of concepts related to the use of library-based technology

The ACRL Instruction Section's Committee on Instruction for Diverse Populations developed a multilingual glossary of terms related to the use of library-based technology. This study is a field test of the glossary. Methodology involved two parts, a survey of international students' perceived knowledge of the terms, followed by a series of test questions to measure the degree of their actual knowledge. Degrees of knowledge ranged from not understanding enough English to know what a term meant, to knowing what a term meant to the degree of being able to explain it to others. The majority of students believed that such a glossary would be helpful when using the library, as well as other library materials presented in translation.

International student graduation ceremonies: An opportunity for local tourism services providers

This purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of travel when associated with graduation ceremonies for the international student cohort. Due to the global growth in the international student market, the perceived importance of investigating this market in relation to the impact on tourism marketing is of timely significance. A mail survey of international students who completed their studies in a large Western Australian (WA) university in the past few years was conducted in 2001. The aim of the survey was to determine the significance of the following: (a) types of accommodation facilities used by the family/friends when visiting for graduations; (b) the proportion of expenditures on various types of activities; and (c) the differences in spending patterns for various countries of origin; and (d) the overall contribution of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) to the WA tourism sector. Results indicate that at least two to three family members (mostly parents) of graduating international students attend graduation ceremonies in Perth. Results also show that 58% of the visitors use commercial accommodation facilities (mainly hotels/motels) spending $462 on accommodation for staying 5.35 nights on average, and spend $653 on shopping. At least 58% of the graduates returned to Australia since graduation mainly for holidays (54%). Results of the study are discussed and implications for both the tourism and education sectors are highlighted, in addition to future research directions.

Effects of social networks on cross‐cultural adjustment

A total of 221 responses were obtained from a survey of international students in Japan, regarding the facilitative effects of social network formation on their adjustment. Regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships among four types of adjustment revealed in a preceding study (“general adjustment,”“self‐control,”“affiliative” and “dependent”), network size, demographic variables, expected social support, etc. For each adjustment type, predictive variables were identified. Two of the variables that showed network effects on adjustment were Japanese language proficiency and race (Asians vs. Westerners). From these results, it would appear that social network formation does facilitate adjustment, and insight into the effect of adjustment type and demographic variables on network functions was obtained. Furthermore, the actual conditions regarding network formation of international students in Japan were revealed.

Foreign Students in American LIS Schools: A Historical and Statistical Survey

This paper presents a statistical survey of international students' enrollment in American library and information science schools from the late 1800s to 1988. Data is presented regarding home countries of foreign students, and trends are identified in different regions of the world regarding the training of nationals in American LIS schools. The increase of Asian students attending these schools and the decline of European counterparts is noted.