International students often face numerous challenges upon arrival in the host country that can result in culture shock and increased stress. Malaysia is a prominent destination for international students from diverse nations, particularly Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is actively striving to expand its current market share in the future. The study seeks to investigate the firsthand experiences of a group of Arab PhD students who enrolled in a PhD program at a Malaysian university, particularly to identify the psychological, sociocultural, and educational obstacles they face, determine the factors that contribute to these challenges, and assess the effectiveness of Malaysian higher education institutions in attracting and meeting the needs of international students. The study employs a qualitative, phenomenological research design to understand participant's lived experiences. It utilizes in-depth, semi-structured interviews and applies Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to analyze the data. The study found eight overarching themes, which included elements that appeal and areas that need improvement. Additionally, it recognized other subthemes. The study advised prioritizing students' perspectives and considering their feedback as a useful resource for enhancing the higher education sector in Malaysia.
نوع مطالعه:
پژوهشي |
موضوع مقاله:
تخصصي دریافت: 1403/2/18 | پذیرش: 1403/6/22 | انتشار: 1403/7/9