Page 128 - Movers, Shapers, and Everything in Between: Influencers of the International Student Experience
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Chapter 6
resource (1999). One of the most widespread changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic was the move to virtual learning, which is often done asynchronously. While this change may not reduce the number of hours a student needs to dedicate to academic studies, it does provide more options for when and where to study, which in turn provides more options for how the student can use their remaining time. Students in this study indicated that the ability to access lectures online at any time was a positive change, although not necessarily one that resulted in higher involvement.
The research in this paper also references Tinto’s (1975) Student Integration Model (SIM), updated in 2012, which assumes that students who exhibit higher levels of social integration in the university environment are more likely to feel connected to the institution, which in turn increases the likelihood of graduation. Updated versions of the model also consider factors such as self-efficacy, goal setting, and self-concept in student outcomes (Demetriou & Schmitz-Sciborski, 2011). The research in this paper on how the academic experience at IBCs was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic brings an important complement to this, as most of the social interaction had to occur online. The research suggests that IBCs need to work harder than other universities to foster a sense of community in order to differentiate themselves from other higher education offerings. Applying these findings to SIM theory implies that the extent to which international branch campuses can retain students is directly related to their ability to engage and integrate students into campus social and academic life both online and in person.
Two studies in this thesis have found that satisfaction is highest among international students in their first year of study. Student Involvement theory does not explain this. In fact, it could be argued that student involvement may increase throughout their studies, which should lead to higher satisfaction. Similarly, one would expect the most dissatisfied students to drop out of their studies over time.






























































































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