AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this age of globalization, internationalization has gradually turned into one of the most flourishing area of higher education worldwide. There is a movement where students travel across the globe to have better education than in their home country. International students while receiving higher education in a different cultural setting may suffer from challenges within their life abroad. The challenges of studying abroad which are experienced by international students at UiO are the focal point of this study. I assumed that among the international students, who come from developing countries might encounter more challenges than others. Other assumptions are that the students face various challenges in their life which are categorized into several issues as follows: language challenges, teaching methods challenges, the challenges of handling the relationship between teacher and student, and the relationship between students. To acquire students insights of the assumed challenges, I have conducted in-depth interviews with six students who are originated from developing countries. Through the perspectives provided by the students, plus my analysis of the data, the research questions raised in this study is generally answered. Apart from the interview results, I have discussed the students life challenges by applying a theory of cultural shock and other related literatures. I have found the causes of these challenges are mainly the lack of overall strategies of the students themselves, the lack of understanding of local culture before their arrival, the less positive attitude of communication with natives and the reluctance of willingness to learn from local society other than educational purpose. The study made some suggestions to universities and other higher education institutions in Norway. It also provides future international students from developing countries some facilities to ease various challenges which might take place during their life overseas. This study will attempt to provide betterment for the students from developing countries.