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Adrift down under : An integrative review of international students’ experiences in Australian higher education including shaping factors
Alsharaydeh, Ethar Shafiabady, Niusha Chan, Sally
Alsharaydeh, Ethar
Shafiabady, Niusha
Chan, Sally
Abstract
Australia is currently one of the leading destination countries for International Students (IS), ranking third in popularity as a study destination. There is sparse research into the experience of IS including the factors influencing their experience within the Australian higher education system. This integrative review aims to synthesize knowledge on the IS’ experience in Australian higher education, including the factors influencing their experience. The review included 15 qualitative studies, three quantitative studies, three mixed methods studies and two literature reviews. IS perceived their study experience in Australia as challenging. They reported English unproficiency, poor academic performance, lack of academic support, low-quality courses, and work-study imbalance as factors that lead to insufficient learning engagement. IS reported difficulties in adjusting to the culture due to language barrier, negative emotions, and stronger acculturation orientation toward their heritage culture. IS reported the difficulties in establishing rapport with both domestic students, university teachers, and obstacles in building meaningful relationships within the local community as factors hindering the development of rapport with these entities. Despite encountering the challenges, IS have recognised the imperative of seeking avenues to foster connections with their fellow peers, their teachers, and the broader Australian community. They noted that their proactive efforts to connect with others, participation in work integrated learning, engagement in extracurricular activities, and prolonged residency in Australia were influential factors that facilitated opportunities for connectedness. These findings emphasise the significance of fostering networks between international students, domestic peers, university educators, and the Australian community. Such networks facilitate cultural understanding, elevate academic achievements, and contribute to the holistic well-being of students. The findings offer valuable assistance in equipping stakeholders and higher educational institutions with essential insights to effectively support IS and address their needs comprehensively. These insights are significant for global education providers aiming to support IS and cultivate a positive study environment. Further research should explore the experiences of international nursing, medical, and healthcare students, considering their involvement with patients and the healthcare team in the Australian system, potentially influencing their experience.
Keywords
international students, experience, influential factors, higher education, Australia
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Nursing Education and Practice
Book
Volume
14
Issue
12
Page Range
10-19
Article Number
ACU Department
Peter Faber Business School
Faculty of Law and Business
Faculty of Law and Business
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Open access
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
Bronze open access.
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