Enhancing international students’ experiences: An imperative agenda for universities in the UK

Abstract

The role of international students as catalysts for internationalization and related reforms in the UK higher education sector is increasing. With the growing number of international students, administrators and academics are identifying ways to enable international students to adapt to the UK environment and enhance their experiences as students. This article examines the academic and other social problems that international students who pursue programmes offered by the universities in the UK encounter. It also suggests mechanisms that universities may adopt so that international students have a smooth academic progression and a comfortable social life. Describing the roles of different stakeholders in supporting international students, and the need to create a university-wide awareness of the importance of the presence of the international students in the university campus, the article suggests how universities may track the performance of drivers that foster the experiences of international students.