1. International Student
Barriers
Maria Hartwig, Carolina Perticari, DJ
Wetzel, Liz Woods

2. Outline
Introduction
Purpose
Population
Literature Review
Subjects
Research Design
Summary of Findings
Implications for Study
Limitations
Questions

3. Purpose
Understand the perceived barriers to international student adjustment, when
transitioning to an institute of higher education within the U.S.
Focused on non-degree seeking, undergraduate students, as a medium, four-year,
Southeastern research-based university.
Research goal was to study any transitional strains of international students to
inform future research, and assist current practitioners

4. Literature Review
Gap in research exists surrounding international students studying within the
Continental U.S
Transition barriers examined related to financial, linguistic, academic, and
discriminatory matters that impacted international students in our area of
study.
International students face financial challenges that impede their cultural
adjustment, hinder their ability to pay for basic living expenses, tuition, or
healthcare, limit their financial aid, and even cause them fear (Sherry,
Thomas, & Chui, 2010; Grahame & Poyrazli, 2007; Mamiseishvili, 2012;
Kwon, 2009).

5. Population
According to IIE, in academic year 2011-2012 there were 764,495 studying in
the U.S.
This represents a growth of 5.7% from the previous year
There has been an average growth of 3.4% annually over the last 10 years.
Unique contributions to intercultural learning
Increased understanding of diversity and global issues

6. Research Design
Qualitative study utilizing a phenomenological approach to examine shared
experiences
A member of the Study Abroad office contacted international students to volunteer
for an interview with the research team
Interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes and were structured in nature
Interview topics included academic and social adjustment, resources used in
transition, and financial means used to support their study abroad

7. Participants
Three undergraduate non-degree seeking international students
One participant was male, two were female
Attending a large, public research university in the Southeast for one semester to
one year
Countries represented were Scotland, South Korea, and Colombia
Age 20 - 24
Only one was a native English speaker

8. Summary of Findings
Students comments were more negative than positive
Common themes of concern emerged including:
Academic transition difficulty
Language barriers
Issues with initial communication and/or contact prior to arriving at their host
institution

9. Implications for Practice
Student affairs professionals should be aware of the difficulties international
students face in their transition to a host institution
Programs could be developed to assist students as they initially transition to a host
institution and during the duration of their stay on campus

10. Implications for Practice
Pre-departure communication efforts can be improved and can possibly include
detailed pre-trip emails, phone calls, or pairing international students with
domestic host students

11. Limitations of Study
Inherent biases
Proximity of researchers to participants
Small scale of study

12. Questions?