Comparing Academic Concerns of International and Domestic Students

Abstract

A survey was given to 115 students at a Western U.S. land grant university to further explore academic issues for both international and domestic students. Students' most important concerns were class discussions, collaboration with other students, and understanding the requirements of one's degree. International students had more difficulty knowing on whom to rely in the academic system when compared to domestic students. Furthermore, domestic students found textbooks harder to understand than international students. Both groups of students may benefit from a better understanding of specific academic issues that students face and this study sought to clarify academic issues among both groups of students.