Challenges Faced by International Students
CHALLENGES FACED BY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN GHANA A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST.
INTRODUCTION:
Background of Study
Increasingly over the past 50 years and especially in response to globalization and internationalization, post- secondary institutions are expanding to include more and more international students. Paige (1990) defined international students as individuals who temporarily reside in a country other than their country of citizenship, in order to participate in international educational exchange as students.
The mobility of tertiary students has seen significant growth over the past decade. UNESCO in its 2009 Global Education Digest, estimates that the number of students enrolled in educational institutes outside of their country of origin in 2007 was over 2.8 million. This represents an increase of 4.6% on the previous year and growth of almost 53% since 1999.
The main goal of international students is the attainment of higher education in a foreign country, which often provides a higher quality education compared to what can be obtained in their country of origin (Hayes & Lin, 1994; Marcketti, Mhango & Gregoire, 2006). Receiving one’s education in a different setting allows many international students to gain a deeper appreciation of the culture values and beliefs of their host countries and to serve as cultural ambassadors between their home and host countries. (Klomegah, 2006; Lee & Rice,2007; Marcketti et al, 2006).
Research suggested that the delivery of adequate support for international students in general may lead to improved student retention as well as increased recruitment (Ward, 2001). Additional evidence has shown that future recruitment of international students may be at risk for academic institutions that do not consider international students’ needs and provide sufficient help (Brown & Holloway, 2008; Ryan & Carroll, 2005).
Thus, understanding the needs of international students, and assisting
INTRODUCTION:
Background of Study
Increasingly over the past 50 years and especially in response to globalization and internationalization, post- secondary institutions are expanding to include more and more international students. Paige (1990) defined international students as individuals who temporarily reside in a country other than their country of citizenship, in order to participate in international educational exchange as students.
The mobility of tertiary students has seen significant growth over the past decade. UNESCO in its 2009 Global Education Digest, estimates that the number of students enrolled in educational institutes outside of their country of origin in 2007 was over 2.8 million. This represents an increase of 4.6% on the previous year and growth of almost 53% since 1999.
The main goal of international students is the attainment of higher education in a foreign country, which often provides a higher quality education compared to what can be obtained in their country of origin (Hayes & Lin, 1994; Marcketti, Mhango & Gregoire, 2006). Receiving one’s education in a different setting allows many international students to gain a deeper appreciation of the culture values and beliefs of their host countries and to serve as cultural ambassadors between their home and host countries. (Klomegah, 2006; Lee & Rice,2007; Marcketti et al, 2006).
Research suggested that the delivery of adequate support for international students in general may lead to improved student retention as well as increased recruitment (Ward, 2001). Additional evidence has shown that future recruitment of international students may be at risk for academic institutions that do not consider international students’ needs and provide sufficient help (Brown & Holloway, 2008; Ryan & Carroll, 2005).
Thus, understanding the needs of international students, and assisting