Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

11-2017

Keywords

academic, EAP, ESL, internationalization, perceptions, post-secondary, education, Canada

Abstract

This multiple case study examines international students’ perceptions of factors affecting academic success in post-secondary institutions in southern Ontario. The study used snowball sampling and a semi-structured interview format. Various factors in the literature, which are used as a framework for this thesis, demonstrate an influence on international students’ academic preparedness and success. They include: proficiency tests, length of time in host country, prior learning experience, acculturation, tolerance of ambiguity, and motivation. Other factors influencing students’ academic success are EAP programs, faculty and students’ own perceptions of academic preparedness and needs, international student centres, communication with domestic students, and immigration plans. The study revealed that, in addition to the listed factors, participants also identified mental health and identity as influencing factors. The study addresses the gap in existing research by providing a college setting for international students from various nationalities, in a Canadian context, studying in a range of post-secondary programs.

Comments

A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Centre for Teaching and Learning University of Toronto

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Version

Publisher's version

Terms of Use

Terms of Use for Works posted in SOURCE.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Original Publication Citation

Bartosik, A. M. (2017). International students’ perceptions of factors affecting academic success in post-secondary studies (Masters Thesis). Retrieved from TSpace.

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