Experiences of International Students in Postsecondary Education: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37119/ojs2025.v30i1.732Abstract
The purpose of this literature review is to describe the educational experiences of international students enrolled in English-medium postsecondary institutions. Because the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia currently host the largest international student populations globally, enrollment statistics for each country are presented. A systematic review of 70 peer-reviewed publications was conducted to identify key findings related to the experiences of international students in English-medium postsecondary education. Data were collected and analyzed to ensure the reliability and validity of the results. Findings indicate that academic English proficiency significantly influences the experiences of international students. Moreover, a key challenge for these students often lies in navigating and adapting to the unfamiliar pedagogical approaches employed within host institutions. Finally, the well-being and academic success of international students are significantly influenced by sociocultural factors, surrounding acceptance, integration, and experiences of discrimination. The paper concludes with a summary of the results and a discussion of possible avenues for future research.
Keywords: international students, postsecondary education, higher education, experiences, barriers
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