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International Students’ Perceptions of University Assistance with their Social Adjustment

Ebinger, Sarah E.

Abstract Details

2011, Bachelor of Science, Ashland University, Family and Consumer Sciences.
Social support has been found to contribute to an overall positive adjustment for International students in U.S. colleges. This study addressed the relationship between International students’ perceptions of university assistance in adjusting to campus life and their social adjustment levels. Questionnaires were divided into two sections: 1) university helpfulness in connecting with others – collegiate personnel and students – in the campus community and through the various campus events offered; and 2) assessing social adjustment through The Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ). The questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students attending a private Midwestern university with 62 usable responses gathered from 31 American and 31 International students representing eight international countries. The university had 68 undergraduate International students and 45.4% participated in the current study. Statistical analyses revealed that Americans were more socially adjusted to university life when compared with International students (p<.001). The data also disclosed that there was no relationship between level of adjustment to campus life and student perception of being respected by peers and faculty (p>.05). However, International students with relatively lower social adjustment were observed as more likely to perceive campus activities as less useful than their more well-adjusted International peers, though no significance was found (p>.05). All the International students reported being treated well by faculty and students, yet improvements were suggested for social events to include opportunities for multicultural relations. Implications of this study suggest that well-developed campus events that connect International and American students could have a positive impact on social adjustment for International students.
Cindy Moseman, Dr. (Advisor)
David Vanata, Dr. (Committee Member)
Chris Swanson, Dr. (Committee Member)
68 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ebinger, S. E. (2011). International Students’ Perceptions of University Assistance with their Social Adjustment [Undergraduate thesis, Ashland University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=auhonors1323367259

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ebinger, Sarah. International Students’ Perceptions of University Assistance with their Social Adjustment. 2011. Ashland University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=auhonors1323367259.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ebinger, Sarah. "International Students’ Perceptions of University Assistance with their Social Adjustment." Undergraduate thesis, Ashland University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=auhonors1323367259

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)