Strategies to Address English Language Writing Challenges Faced by International Graduate Students in the US

Authors

  • Swathi Ravichandran Kent State University, United States
  • Mark Kretovics Kent State University, United States
  • Kara Kirby Global Ambassadors Language Academy, United States
  • Ankita Ghosh Education for Innovation, Inc, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v7i3.298

Keywords:

ESL, international student, writing challenges, English, graduate students

Abstract

Since 2000, there has been a 72% increase in the number of international students attending US institutions of higher education. The increase, specifically of international graduate students, has brought to light the writing challenges experienced by this population of students. This study explored specific writing challenges experienced by international graduate students and determined strategies to alleviate these challenges. Interviews were conducted with 15 international graduate students representing a variety of geographic backgrounds and disciplines. Responses revealed that writing challenges faced related to grammar and vocabulary, organization and flow of ideas, critical thinking, and plagiarism. Participants offered specific suggestions on how subject-matter faculty, friends, and peer mentors could assist in improving English-language writing skills. Implications for higher education institutions are discussed.

Author Biographies

  • Swathi Ravichandran, Kent State University, United States

    SWATHI RAVICHANDRAN, MBA, PhD is an Associate Professor of Hospitality Management at Kent State University. Her research interests are primarily in hospitality human resources management and marketing. She also pursues research in international education. 

  • Mark Kretovics, Kent State University, United States

    MARK KRETOVICS, MBA, PhD currently serves as an Associate Professor of Higher Education Administration at Kent State University and has been a Fulbright Specialist in Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia. His research interests include institutional politics, assessment of student learning, and business practices in higher education. 

  • Kara Kirby, Global Ambassadors Language Academy, United States

    KARA KIRBY, MEd, PhD candidate in Cultural Foundations at Kent State University, is an IBPYP Curriculum Specialist and English teacher with the Global Ambassadors Language Academy. Her research addresses women’s and girls’ education and access to technology in Africa, international education, the capabilities approach, and qualitative methods. 

  • Ankita Ghosh, Education for Innovation, Inc, United States

    ANKITA GHOSH, B.S. is pursuing her Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Kent State University. Her research interests are in higher education, Hospitality human resources management, hotel operations, and revenue management. 

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Published

2018-07-01

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2017)

Section

Research Articles (English)

License

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

How to Cite

Strategies to Address English Language Writing Challenges Faced by International Graduate Students in the US. (2018). Journal of International Students, 7(3), 764-785. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v7i3.298