What really matters? Factors impacting international student satisfaction: the case of the UK. (6th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merola, Rachael H.; Coelen, Robert J.; Hofman, W.H.A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of management in education. Volume 16:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2021-12-06
• Subjects: international student -- student satisfaction -- student experience -- rankings -- league tables -- globalisation -- education management; School management and organization -- Periodicals; Education -- Administration -- Periodicals; 371.2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-385X

Abstract

This study explores how international student satisfaction is affected by certain aspects of the learning and living experience, including university reputation, size and proportion of international students, as well as student gender and stage of study. It draws on data from undergraduate international students enrolled in full time, on-site programs at 32 universities located in the UK that administered the International Student Barometer (ISB) in Fall 2017 (N = 11, 652). Multi-level linear regression revealed that international student satisfaction was predicted by stage of study, the reputation of the university and the proportion of international students enrolled. Comments from the survey are used to better understand these findings. This study gives institutional leaders insight into what factors influence the international student experience, allowing them to better prepare for the challenges confronting international higher education today.