TY - JOUR
T1 - International Saudi Arabia students’ level of preparedness
T2 - Identifying factors and maximizing study abroad experience using a mixed-methods approach
AU - Brutt-Griffler, Janina
AU - Nurunnabi, Mohammad
AU - Kim, Sumi
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Journal of International Students.
PY - 2020
Y1 - 2020
N2 - Given that students’ level of preparedness for study abroad is malleable, this study aimed to assess Saudi students’ level of preparedness academically and socioculturally to enhance their overseas experiences and success in higher education. Using a mixed methods research design consisting of survey data, semistructured interviews, and case studies with undergraduate and graduate students in a predeparture Saudi context and those enrolled in U.S. programs, the study provides empirical data to understand students’ intent to study abroad, local institutions’ contributions to preparation, and challenges encountered. Findings across datasets consistently corroborated that Saudi students are highly motivated, while articulating the need for substantive supports toward a better understanding of U.S. higher education, academic expectations, and sociocultural practices. Participants articulated the need for advanced English skills, especially academic literacies (academic writing and reading strategies) to cope with demanding workloads in graduate programs. The study discusses curricular implications for higher education in binational contexts.
AB - Given that students’ level of preparedness for study abroad is malleable, this study aimed to assess Saudi students’ level of preparedness academically and socioculturally to enhance their overseas experiences and success in higher education. Using a mixed methods research design consisting of survey data, semistructured interviews, and case studies with undergraduate and graduate students in a predeparture Saudi context and those enrolled in U.S. programs, the study provides empirical data to understand students’ intent to study abroad, local institutions’ contributions to preparation, and challenges encountered. Findings across datasets consistently corroborated that Saudi students are highly motivated, while articulating the need for substantive supports toward a better understanding of U.S. higher education, academic expectations, and sociocultural practices. Participants articulated the need for advanced English skills, especially academic literacies (academic writing and reading strategies) to cope with demanding workloads in graduate programs. The study discusses curricular implications for higher education in binational contexts.
KW - Academic literacy
KW - Cross-cultural understanding
KW - Higher education
KW - International students
KW - Saudi students
KW - Socialization
KW - Study abroad
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85094892399&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.32674/jis.v10i4.839
DO - 10.32674/jis.v10i4.839
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85094892399
SN - 2162-3104
VL - 10
SP - 976
EP - 1004
JO - Journal of International Students
JF - Journal of International Students
IS - 4
ER -