Evaluation of the Obstacles Encountered by South African International Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/icer.1.1.2957

Keywords:

Higher Education, South Africa, International students

Abstract

The South African higher education system has seen a gradual rise in the number of international students, mainly from African countries but not exclusively confined to other nations. Although the number of international students has significantly risen in recent decades, there is less knowledge about the obstacles they face and the potential effect of these issues on them. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate the difficulties encountered by international students at higher education institutions, providing insight into the complex obstacles that affect their academic, social, and cultural assimilation. The study utilizes a qualitative approach, incorporating a questionnaire as the research design to collect perspectives from international students. The findings indicate that communication, finances, environment, access to resources, and administration are factors that contribute to the obstacles encountered by international students. This highlights the necessity for specific support mechanisms and policy adjustments to improve the overall educational experience for this expanding demographic. The results of this assessment provide important insights for educational institutions, governments, and stakeholders that want to promote inclusive and supportive settings that facilitate the achievement and well-being of international students in higher education.

Author Biographies

Thabo Khafiso, Central university of technology

Thabo Khafiso is an experienced academic and lecturer in the Built Environment, specializing in Construction Management. He holds a Master's degree from the University of Johannesburg, where he graduated with Cum Laude, and a Bachelor's degree from the Central University of Technology (CUT), also with Cum Laude honors. His diverse qualifications include advanced courses in technological innovations in modern construction from prestigious Russian institutions. Thabo has a robust background in both industry and academia, having worked as a civil engineering intern and a part-time lecturer at CUT, where he taught courses related to Civil Engineering and Construction Management. His industry roles have equipped him with project management, surveying, and engineering methodologies. Currently pursuing a PhD in Construction Management, his research focuses on construction and engineering management. Thabo has also contributed to various research publications, including studies on energy management systems in residential buildings and factors influencing building energy consumption​

Sekoele Ramajoe, Central University of Technology

Sekoele Ramajoe has been in the higher education sector for more than 4 years as an International student, Students mentor, Part-time Lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences, and a staff member of the Centre for Global Engagement(CGE) at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT).

He is currently the coordinator for the Internationalisation at Home (I@H) projects in the CGE and is responsible for projects that help mobile and non-mobile students to enhance their international and intercultural competencies, enhance global student attributes, and ensure that the entire CUT community benefits from the growing internationalisation of CUT. He is also responsible for the content management system of EU projects at CUT, i.e. YEBO and Eurydice.

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Published

2024-11-21