The Adjustment Experience of First-Year International Undergraduate Students in Engineering

Barnes, Whitney

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/30816 Copy

Description

Title

The Adjustment Experience of First-Year International Undergraduate Students in Engineering

Author(s)

Barnes, Whitney

Issue Date

2010-12

Keyword(s)

first-year students, international students, engineering students, adjustment, transition

Abstract

International students are valuable to domestic universities as they inspire intercultural learning, foster understanding of diversity and global issues, and contribute financially to the US economy. Although international students benefit universities, they encounter adjustment difficulties that differ from those of domestic students, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and academic adjustments. Little research exists on this subject; therefore, the challenges of international students are often overlooked by universities. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, this study identifies the challenges that engineering international students experience. A survey and group interviews were conducted with first-year engineering students to identify the adjustment factors. While the domestic and international students identified similar adjustment issues, international students had more difficulty with making American friends, understanding cultural references, adapting to American food, and getting acquainted with unfamiliar teaching methods and assignments. This study will increase awareness about the adjustment factors that international students face so that universities will better help them succeed.

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/30816

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