Graduation Date

5-2003

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department or Program

Education

Department or Program Chair

Madalienne F. Peters, EdD

First Reader

Madalienne F. Peters, EdD

Abstract

This study surveyed the academic needs of international students at Dominican University of California and compared the reported needs of these students with those of the larger population of international students. Of the 55 surveys distributed, 38 were returned. Survey results show that a large percentage of international students attending Dominican University of California were able to understand class lectures and written materials and could finish their work in a timely manner. More challenging to international students were writing essays and speaking in the classroom. A large percentage of students reported that they did not use campus resources at the university fully. Language proficiency was positively related to cultural adaptation, social integration, and academic progress. Social integration and cultural adaptation directly and positively correlated to academic success. The difficulties reported by international students at Dominican University were similar to those reported by international students at colleges and universities throughout the United States. It can thus be assumed that the components of successful international programs used at other institutions of higher learning will be applicable and useful at Dominican. From this data, a staff development module will be developed.

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