Short-term international students' perceptions of their learning and sociocultural experiences in Dublin Business School, Ireland

Authors

Wise, Jacquine

Issue Date

2012

Degree

BA (Hons) in Social Science

Publisher

Dublin Business School

Rights

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Abstract

This study examined short-term American and European Union international students perceptions of their learning and sociocultural experiences in Dublin Business School, Ireland. Employing case study approach, data were collected by conducting 11 semi-structured open-ended qualitative interviews with undergraduate and postgraduate short-term international students from America, France, Germany and Sweden. Resulting data were rigorously analysed and findings discussed. Findings suggests: (a) international students difficulty in forming relations with Irish students can also be attributed to shortage of Irish students in certain classes (b) plagiarism is not more prevalent amongst short-term international students population (c) native English speakers can also experience English language difficulties in another country. Students overall rating of their experience was high. However, suggestions for international students experience improvement were also proffered. Author keywords: Short-term international students' experiences