Motivation, Induction and Challenge: Examining the Initial Phase of International Students' Educational Sojourn

Authors

  • Paul Cowley University of Bolton, United Kingdom
  • Denis Hyams–Ssekasi University of Bolton, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v8i1.154

Keywords:

international students, induction, student adjustment, student motivation

Abstract

This study explores the initial higher education experiences of first-year international students in the UK. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 new international students undertaking a business degree at a UK university. The students described the key motivating factors for studying abroad and the fundamental issues and challenges they encountered. The language barrier, academic skills and orientation were highlighted as being integral to their development. A comprehension of international students’ initial academic and social needs is important in enabling universities to develop systems that will meet the prevailing needs of these learners.

Author Biographies

  • Paul Cowley, University of Bolton, United Kingdom

    PAUL COWLEY is a Lecturer in Business Management at the University of Bolton, United Kingdom. His research interests include organisational behaviour, education management, acculturation, and business pedagogy for international students.

  • Denis Hyams–Ssekasi, University of Bolton, United Kingdom

    DENIS HYAMS-SSEKASI, EdD, is a Lecturer in Business Management at the University of Bolton, United Kingdom. His research interests include the transitional experiences of international students in higher education, as well as intercultural communication and social impacts. 

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Published

2018-01-01

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Research Articles (English)

License

All published articles are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 Unported License.

How to Cite

Motivation, Induction and Challenge: Examining the Initial Phase of International Students’ Educational Sojourn. (2018). Journal of International Students, 8(1), 109–130. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v8i1.154