Type of Submission
Poster
Award
Best Qualitative Study
Keywords
Qualitative, international students, institutional experience
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the institutional experience of international students on the campus of Cedarville University. The study utilized a phenomenological qualitative method with a sample of 18 students who represented 14 nations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed, and the following themes were found: perception of academic challenges, programs that have been helpful/unhelpful in their adjustment to life at the University, and changes they would make that would be helpful to them. Our findings suggested that international students found the academics of Cedarville University to be more challenging than they expected, but the professors were approachable. Programs such as Orientation for international students/missionary kids/third culture kids, the international student organization, and the campus academic enrichment center were helpful for them because they provided introductions to both international and American communities and one-on-one help with academics. Students suggested that help with applying to the university and for a visa along with help integrating into work life once they are here would be helpful changes for them. Students also suggested that it would be helpful for them if the university took action in promoting cultural awareness on campus.
Campus Venue
Stevens Student Center Lobby
Location
Cedarville, OH
Start Date
4-11-2018 11:00 AM
End Date
4-11-2018 2:00 PM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Community Psychology Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Social Psychology Commons
An Exploration of International Students’ Institutional Experiences at Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH
The purpose of this study was to understand the institutional experience of international students on the campus of Cedarville University. The study utilized a phenomenological qualitative method with a sample of 18 students who represented 14 nations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed, and the following themes were found: perception of academic challenges, programs that have been helpful/unhelpful in their adjustment to life at the University, and changes they would make that would be helpful to them. Our findings suggested that international students found the academics of Cedarville University to be more challenging than they expected, but the professors were approachable. Programs such as Orientation for international students/missionary kids/third culture kids, the international student organization, and the campus academic enrichment center were helpful for them because they provided introductions to both international and American communities and one-on-one help with academics. Students suggested that help with applying to the university and for a visa along with help integrating into work life once they are here would be helpful changes for them. Students also suggested that it would be helpful for them if the university took action in promoting cultural awareness on campus.
