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EvaluationofKingAbdullahScholarshipProgram.pdf
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
33
Evaluation of King Abdullah Scholarship Program
Dr. Abdulaziz Alqahtani
King Khalid University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. Three research questions
were addressed by this study. The questions were how Saudi students perceive the King Abdullah Scholarship
Program. Was there a difference between male and female Saudi students regarding their King Abdullah
Scholarship Program. Were there differences in Saudi students based on the level of education regarding their
King Abdullah Scholarship Program.
Interpretation of the study was subject to the following limitations. The study was limited to Saudi students in
Saint Louis University and analyzed king Abdullah scholarship program. The study was limited to only Saudi
students in Fall 2012. There were 46 Saudi students in the different gender and educational levels.
The survey had 25 questioners about the Saudi student experiences with this program. The survey consisted of
three sections. There were quality program, service and student needs. For the quality program, the king
Abdullah scholarship program should promote partnerships with Saudi and American universities. It should help
prepare students for their new job and to be part of a knowledge-based economy. To enhance the quality of
service from SACM, the overall quality of telephone support should be improved. The staff must be effective in
the service they provide. The time required to resolve issues must be reasonable. The quality of service should be
improved. To improve the students’ skill, this scholarship monthly stipend should be adequate for students need.
This program should not only be for graduate students but also for undergraduate students. This program must
help students to find good jobs when they complete their program. Since all the data above showed only a 0.05,
there was not a significant difference in evaluation of king Abdullah scholarship program between male and
female Saudi students, and between the overall educational levels.
Keywords: king Abdullah -scholarship program- Saudi Arabia
Introduction
This study has described a study survey focusing on Saudi students perceptions regarding the evaluation of King
Abdullah scholarship program. Numerous researchers (Almoteri, 2009; Alzahrani, 2008; Alrasheed, 2002) have
stated that the higher education is considered the main pillar of education all over the world. It is regardless of
what the nation is studying. The higher education is majorly progressing and contributing in the basic and higher
education overseas; therefore, it has always been given a special care and attention.
The history of higher education in Saudi Arabia has begun with small discussion groups who worked under the
trees or in the mosques. They have now been transformed into large institutions with the most modern equipment
and tools. This change has given Saudi citizens a chance to get education in a number of different areas of
studies at different universities in different countries. Having utilized these higher educational opportunities, the
qualified individuals will be able to participate excitedly in building the Saudi nation. This increased production
of qualified individuals is an important accomplishment of the Ministry of Higher Education. These
achievements have not only most positively impacted Saudi Arabia but also the international community.
With that said, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia has believed in the importance of education in all areas. Higher
education is one of the Saudi Government policies that have been given a crucial value because of its importance.
The higher education in Saudi Arabia was instituted not that long ago. The patterns and procedures of these
educational systems have been adopted in accordance with Islamic systems, traditions, and customs. The
Ministry of Education was created in 1975, and it was renamed Ministry of Higher Education later with the
concept of dealing exclusively with higher education. The Ministry of Higher Education has four responsibilities.
First, it promotes the establishment of higher education institutions. Second, it allows universities and colleges to
educate in Saudi Arabia. It also raises the level of communication and coordination between universities and
other ministries. Finally, it represents its government through all educational and cultural affairs all over the
world (Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia, 2009).
King Abdullah Foreign Scholarship Program provides the means to attend the best universities worldwide for
further studies that lead to degrees such as graduate, post graduate, doctorate, and medical fellowships.
Academic scholarships are given on the basis of the requirements of government ministries, national
corporations and the private sector. The selection for the scholarships also aims to fulfill the requirements of not
only the industrial cities, but also the work markets region by region across the kingdom. Moreover, it focuses
the need of the teaching staff in the universities across KSA. The Program is providing qualified Saudi youth to
take an active role in the development of all fields of government and private sectors. It has been actively
producing qualified Saudi human resource worldwide in all spheres, e.g., the competitive work market, academic
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
34
research, and public and private sectors (Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia, 2009).
Understanding the influence of the students’ perceptions of their educational studies has been a growing body of
research in the United States. Adding a study to investigate this concept in Saudi Arabia provided research
regarding a multicultural approach.
Review of the literature
Educational development in the twenty-first century faces numerous challenges. The world is becoming
extremely interconnected and global competition in the workplace has led to call for higher standards in
educational development. As a country with large potential and vast resources, Saudi Arabia needs to be
prepared for the new challenges in education. To meet these challenges, King Abdullah has initiated a
scholarship program for the development of the Kingdom. This is how the King Abdullah Scholarship Program
came into being (Alrashed, 2002).
King Abdullah Scholarship Program was established in 2005 in order to sponsor highly qualified Saudi students
to help them continue their studies at different universities around the world. Scholarship candidates must meet
the high level of academic standards set by the Ministry of Higher Education. Upon acceptance into the program,
the students are sent to more than 21 different countries to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies in a
variety of academic fields. So far, tens of thousands of Saudi students have already been awarded scholarships
through the program to study in various parts of the globe (Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia, 2009).
Alomar (2011) reported that King Abdullah program has many characteristics. They are as follow:
1. It provides financial and academic supervision.
2. It is oriented toward many counties.
3. The U.S has the largest share of students.
4. It is geared toward all fields such as medicine, engineering, science, math, and computers.
5. It includes all levels of degree.
According to Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia (2009), the goal of King Abdullah scholarship
program is to:
1. Sponsor qualified Saudis for study in the best universities around the world.
2. Bring a high level of academic and professional standards in the kingdom through the foreign
scholarship program.
3. Exchange scientific, educational and cultural experience with countries worldwide.
4. Build up qualified and professional Saudi staff in the work environment.
5. Raise and develop the level of professionalism among Saudis.
According to Alomar (2011) goals of King Abdullah program are to enable Saudis to attain knowledge and
intellectual development not only through academically but also through experience. Where there is learning of
the customs and lifestyles of the host country, the cultural exchange will by default bring patriotic commitment
in our citizens. The knowledge and experience Saudi students get through this program are not only valuable but
indeed necessary for the development of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah Foreign Scholarship Program provides the means to attend the best universities worldwide for
further studies that lead to degrees such as graduate, post graduate, doctorate, and medical fellowships.
Academic scholarships are given on the basis of the requirements of government ministries, national
corporations and the private sector. The selection for the scholarships also aims to fulfill the requirements of not
only the industrial cities, but also the work markets region by region across the kingdom. Moreover, it focuses
the need of the teaching staff in the universities across KSA. The Program is providing qualified Saudi youth to
take an active role in the development of all fields of government and private sectors. It has been actively
producing qualified Saudi human resource worldwide in all spheres, e.g., the competitive work market, academic
research, and public and private sectors (Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia, 2009). The king
Abdullah scholarship program offers many life changing opportunities for the students. For example, they are
given, a monthly stipend, tuition fees, and cost of attending conferences, seminars, workshops, travel tickets, and
medical insurance.
More specifically, according to Alomar (2011), the scholarship students’ benefits under the program are:
1. Monthly stipend for the student, spouse, and children.
2. Full tuition coverage.
3. Full medical and dental coverage.
4. Annual round trip airline tickets for the students and their families.
5. Other benefits and rewards (High GPA rewards, scientific materials allowance, etc).
Murray (2011) reported that even though most Saudi students studying in the United States are under the king
Abdullah Scholarship Program which grants students a full scholarship provided by the Saudi government, not
all students under this program are required to work for the Saudi government after the completion of their
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
35
degrees.
The Saudi Arabia Culture Mission (SACM), to the United States, is one of the specialized agencies created by
the Saudi government in 1951 to administer programs and policies to meet the educational and cultural needs of
Saudis who are studying in the United States. The first (SACM) to the United States was established in 1951 to
look after the first group of Saudi students who came officially to study in the U.S. The Mission conducted its
business from the (SACM) to the United Nations in New York. In 1956, the mission moved to an independent
office in New York under the name of “Saudi Culture Office in America”. It looked after the welfare of 48
students at that time (Saudi Arabia Culture Mission, 2006).
Since 1988 the (SACM) has undergone constant modifications in its organizational structure for excellence and
continued to integrate modern informational technology into its office procedures to meet the challenges of
providing fast, efficient, reliable support and services to the Saudi students. According to Saudi Arabia Culture
Mission (2006) the (SACM) implements Saudi national educational and training policies to provide Saudi
Arabia with qualified individuals capable of achieving the country’s goals in progress and development. They
strive to provide Saudi students with the best possible educational opportunities at the best educational
institutions in the United States.
Quality indicator 1. The program helps students to be successful in their academics.
2. The program prepares students to be part of a knowledge-based economy.
3. The program provides Saudi students positive exposure of American culture.
4. The program enables students to gain good experiences which will in result benefit the country when they
return to Saudi Arabia.
5. The Scholarship program enables students to start a good career after compilation the program.
Purpose of the study The purpose of this study was to evaluate the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. The program essentially
focuses on special issues which are turned into goals such as:
1. Finding out if students liked this program and finding it useful and interesting for them.
2. Positively effecting students learning.
3. Discovering whether this program has high quality in content such as knowledge, goals, and activities.
4. Resolving some problems which students face during their studies in the United States.
Study questions
Three research questions were addressed by the study.
1. How do Saudi students perceive the King Abdullah Scholarship Program?
2. Is there a difference between male and female Saudi students regarding their King Abdullah
Scholarship Program?
3. Are there differences in Saudi students based on the level of education regarding their King Abdullah
Scholarship Program?
Limitation of the study
Interpretation of the study is subject to the following limitations:
1. The study was limited to Saudi students in Saint Louis University; therefore the findings did not describe other
Saudi students who were studying elsewhere.
2. The study analyzed King Abdullah scholarship program; therefore the findings were based on perceptions.
3. The study was limited to only fall 2012 Saudi students. The findings did not describe other students.
Definition of the study
Important terms are defined for the purpose of clarity in this section.
Evaluation: is a structured process to determine if a program produced the intended outcome.
King Abdullah program: King Abdullah Foreign Scholarship Program provides all kind of means to enable
students to attend the best universities worldwide to carryout higher studies that lead to bachelors, masters and
doctorate.
Data collection
In order to obtain data, the investigator was sent out a survey for each Saudi student in Saint Louis University. In
this survey, the investigator asked the students to review and complete it. The evaluation of king Abdullah
scholarship program questionnaires were directed to all Saudi students in Saint Louis University. These
questionnaires had a five point Likert-scale-response with five scales, e.g., strongly agree, agree, disagree,
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
36
strongly disagree, and no opinion. The students were asked to provide answers about their gender and their
current highest educational level. According to Fitzpatrick and others (2011) the data was collected from the
students in several ways:
1. Random Sampling was to avoid bias.
2. There were two different ways to collect the survey data. Either they were face-to-face delivery of the survey
to the students or electronically submitted surveys.
Sample
This survey instrument was distributed to all 54 Saudi students at the Saint Louis University. I received 46
surveys which were 85.18 percent of the total amount of Saudi students.
Table 1. Overall statistics including the number of students and percentage of Saudi students who answered the
survey by gender
Gender Distributed Returned Percent out of
returned Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Male 28 51.81 26 56.52 92.85
Female 26 48.14 20 43.48 76.92
Total 54 100 46 100 85.18
Table 1 illustrates the number of gender and percentages for Saudi students who answered the question about
King Abdullah Scholarship Program. There were 26 male students which were 56.52 percent of the total amount
of Saudi students. On the other hand, there were 20 female students which were 43.48 % of the total amount of
Saudi students.
Table 2. Overall statistics including the number of students and percentage of Saudi students who answered the
survey by the level of education
Level of Education Frequency Percent
Undergraduate 26 56.52
Graduate 20 43.48
Total 46 100
Table 2 shows the number of the level of education and percentages for Saudi students who answered the
question about King Abdullah Scholarship Program. There were 26 undergraduate students which were 56.52
percent of the total amount of Saudi students. On the other hand, there were 20 graduate students which were
43.48 %43 of the total amount of Saudi students.
Data analysis
The investigator thoroughly analyzed the data collected from the surveys. By analyzing the data the investigator
was able to gain insight on how the demographic information, if at all, affected the answers supplied by the
students utilized in the survey. The investigator used frequency measures of mean and percentage.
This section presents the findings of the analysis related to the questions and answers based on the data collected.
Some statistic tables were used to explain the analysis of outcome and were supported in the answer to the
questions. For analysis of collected data, averages and percentages were used to find the number of students who
share in all statements. To support the answer, the researcher reported the main response, the standard deviation
and rank for each of the three evaluation constructs studied and the overall total for each of it.
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
37
Question #1: How do Saudi students perceive the King Abdullah Scholarship Program?
For answer this question, averages and percentages were used to find the number of students who share in all
statements.
Table 3. Overall average and percentage of Saudi students who answer the questions about the evaluation king
Abdullah scholarship program
N Content Mean % N=46
1. Quality program: This program goal is clear. 3.41 85.25 46
2. Quality program: This program helps students to be successful in their
academics.
3.43
85.75
46
3. Quality program: This program promotes partnerships with Saudi and
American universities.
2.96
74.00
46
4. Quality program: This program prepares students to be part of a knowledge-
based economy.
2.85
71.25
46
5. Quality program: This program helps prepare students for their new job. 2.91 72.75 46
6. Quality program: This program needs to continue. 3.30 82.50 46
7. Quality program: This program provides positive exposure of American
culture.
3.17
79.25
46
8. Quality program: This program exposes Saudi students to one of the best
educational systems in the world.
2.89
72.25
46
9. Quality program: This program gives students good experiences which will
benefit them when they return to Saudi Arabia.
3.43
85.75
46
10. Quality program: This program provides knowledge for the development of
Saudi Arabia.
3.02
75.50
46
11. Quality program: This program allows Saudi students to be real
ambassadors.
2.57
64.25
46
12. Quality service: The quality of service is good. 2.09 52.25 46
13. Quality service: The service provided meets students’ needs. 2.20 55.00 46
14. Quality service: The staffs were courteous while providing service. 2.13 53.25 46
15. Quality service: The staffs were effective in the service they provided. 1.96 49.00 46
16. Quality service: The overall quality of telephone support is good. 1.61 40.25 46
17. Quality service: The overall quality of online support is good. 2.15 53.75 46
18. Quality service: The time required to resolve issues is reasonable. 1.91 47.75 46
19. Student needs: This Scholarship program monthly stipend is adequate for
students need.
2.72 68.00 46
20. Student needs: This Scholarship program should be only for graduate
students.
1.78 44.50 46
21. Student needs: This Scholarship program provides Saudi students adequate
information before they came.
2.24 56.00 46
22. Student needs: This Scholarship program adequately tested students’
proficiency in English before they came.
2.04 51.00 46
23. Student needs: This Scholarship program provides students enough time to
prepare for and pass the TOEFL exam.
2.28 57.00 46
24. Student needs: This Scholarship program adequately supports students in the
goal of getting the degrees.
2.83 70.75 46
25. Student needs: This Scholarship program helps students to find a good job
when they complete their program.
1.70 42.50 46
Table 3 illustrates the overall averages and percentages for students who are studying in Saint Louis universities.
This data evaluates the king Abdullah Scholarship Program. The highest above 3.00 averages within the
percentages were as follow:
1. Question number 2 about the quality of the program, which asked whether this program helps students
to be successful in their academics, had a 3.43 average which was 85.75%.
2. Question number 9 about the quality of the program, which asked whether this program gives students
good experiences which will benefit them when they return to Saudi Arabia, had a 3.43 average which
was 85.75%.
3. Question number 1 about the quality of the program, which asked whether this program goal is clear,
had a 3.41 average which was 85.25%.
4. Question number 6 about the quality of the program, which asked whether this program needs to
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
38
continue, had a 3.30 average which was 82.50%.
5. Question number 7 about the quality of the program, which asked about this program provides positive
exposure of American culture, had 3.17 averages which was 79.25%.
6. Question number 10 about the quality of the program, which asked whether this program provides
knowledge for the development of Saudi Arabia, had a 3.02 average which was 75.50%.
On the other hand the researcher found that the lowest four averages were less than 2.00 and the percentages of
those were as follows:
1. Question number 5 about the quality of the service from SACM, which asked whether the overall
quality of telephone support is good, if it were 1.61 which was 40.25%. The reason for this issue was
that each staff had many students. Also, they liked to work with e-governance or by e-mail. Form my
experience; they preferred the e-mail more than the telephone. The chart shows us the answer from the
students by gender. The first one is by male students and the second chart is by female students.
2. Question number 7 about the quality of student needs, which asked whether this program helps students
to find a good job when they completed their program, had a 1.70 which was 42.50%.
3. Question number 2 about the quality of student needs, which asked whether this program should only
for graduate students, had a 1.78 which was 44.50%.The chart shows the answer from the students by
level of education. The first chart shows undergraduate students a majority of who strongly agreed and
the second chart shows graduate students a majority of whom agreed.
4. Question number 7 about the quality of service, which asked whether the time required resolving issues
is reasonable, had a 1.91 which was 47.75%.
5. Question number 4 was about the quality of service, which asked whether the staff was effective in the
service they provided, had a 1.96 which was 49.00%.
Table 4. Average and percentage of Saudi students who answer the questions about the quality program
N Quality Program Mean % N=46
1. This program goal is clear. 3.41 85.25 46
2. This program helps students to be successful in their academics. 3.43 85.75 46
3. This program promotes partnerships with Saudi and American universities. 2.96 74.00 46
4. This program prepares students to be part of a knowledge-based economy. 2.85 71.25 46
5. This program helps prepare students for their new job. 2.91 72.75 46
6. This program needs to continue. 3.30 82.5 46
7. This program provides positive exposure of American culture. 3.17 79.25 46
8. This program exposes Saudi students to one of the best educational systems in
the world.
2.89
72.25
46
9. This program gives students good experiences which will benefit them when
they return to Saudi Arabia.
3.43
85.75
46
10. This program provides knowledge for the development of Saudi Arabia. 3.02 75.50 46
11. This program allows Saudi students to be real ambassadors. 2.57 64.25 46
Overall 3.08 77.13
Table 4 illustrates the averages and percentages for students who are studying in Saint Louis universities. This
data refers to quality of the king Abdullah Scholarship Program. The overall average of the quality program was
3.08 which were 77.13%. The highest average, 3.43, was from question number two and number nine, which
was 85.75%. Question number two asked whether this program helps students to be successful in their
academics. Question number nine asked whether this program gives students good experiences which will
benefit them when they return to Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the researcher found that the 3.41 average
which was 85.22% refers to question number one, which asked whether this program goal is clear.
Table 5. Average and percentage of Saudi students who answer the questions about the Quality of service from
SACM
N Quality of service from SACM Mean % N=46
1. The quality of service is good. 2.09 52.25 46
2. The service provided meets students’ needs. 2.20 55.00 46
3. The staffs were courteous while providing service. 2.13 53.25 46
4. The staffs were effective in the service they provided. 1.96 49.00 46
5. The overall quality of telephone support is good. 1.61 40.25 46
6. The overall quality of online support is good. 2.15 53.75 46
7. The time required to resolve issues is reasonable. 1.91 47.75 46
Overall 2.00 50.17
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
39
Table 5 shows the averages and percentages of students who were studying at Saint Louis universities. The
overall average of the quality service from SACM was 2.00 which were 50.17%. That means the quality was
very low and they need to improve their service skills. The highest average, 2.20, was from question number two,
which was 85.75%. Question number two asked whether the service provided meets students’ needs. 2.13 on
average which was 53.25% of students responded refers to question number 3 which asked whether the staff
were courteous while providing service. On the other hand researcher found that 1.61 averages which were 49.00
percent refer to question number 5 which asked whether the overall quality of telephone support is good.
Table 6. Average and percentage of Saudi students who answer the questions about the quality of students needs
N Quality of students Needs Mean % N=46
1. This Scholarship program monthly stipend is adequate for students
need. 2.72 68.00 46
2. This Scholarship program should be only for graduate students. 1.78 44.50 46
3. This Scholarship program provides Saudi students adequate
information before they came. 2.24 56.00 46
4. This Scholarship program adequately tested students’ proficiency in
English before they came. 2.04 51.00 46
5. This Scholarship program provides students enough time to prepare for
and pass the TOEFL exam. 2.28 57.00 46
6. This Scholarship program adequately supports students in the goal of
getting the degrees. 2.83 70.75 46
7. This Scholarship program helps students to find a good job when they
complete their program. 1.70 42.50 46
Overall 2.22 55.67
Table 6 illustrates the averages and percentages for students who were studying in Saint Louis universities. This
data refers to question about the student needs of King Abdullah Scholarship Program. The overall average of
the student-need was 2.22 which were 55.67%. The highest average, 2.83, was question number 6 which asked
whether this Scholarship program adequately supports students in the goal of getting the degrees, which was
70.75%. On the other hand, the researcher found that 1.70 averages which were 42.50% refer to question number
7 which asked whether this Scholarship program helps students to find a good job when they complete their
program.
Question #2: Is there a difference in perception between male and female Saudi students about King
Abdullah Scholarship Program?
To support this answer the researcher used an independent samples t-test which determined if there were any
differences between groups on the three evaluation constructs. The researcher reported descriptive statistics for
each group (means, standard deviation), t-value, significance level, and effect size (eta squared).
Table 7. t test to know the significant difference between male and female who answered the overall standard
about evaluation of king Abdullah scholarship program for each group
Independent Samples Test
Levene's
Test for
Equality of
Variances
t-test for Equality of Means
F Sig. t Df
Sig.
(2-
tailed)
Mean
Difference
Std. Error
Difference
QOP
Equal variances assumed .90 .765 .754 44 .455 .98462 1.30645
Equal variances not
assumed .740 37.737 .464 .98462 1.30645
QOS
Equal variances assumed .271 .606 .633 44 .530 .87308 1.37859
Equal variances not
assumed .639 42.214 .526 .87308 1.36694
QOSN
Equal variances assumed 4.800 .034 -.721 44 .475 -.90769 1.25855
Equal variances not
assumed -.751 43.917 .457 -.90769 1.20875
TOTAL
Equal variances assumed 1.073 .306 .337 44 .738 .95000 2.81911
Equal variances not
assumed .340 42.086 .736 .95000 2.79809
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol.5, No.15, 2014
40
Since all the data above showed only a 0.05, there was not a significant difference in evaluation of King
Abdullah scholarship program between male and female Saudi students.
Question #3: Are there differences in perception among Saudi students based on the level of education
about King Abdullah Scholarship Program?
To support this answer the researcher used an independent sample of t-test which determined if there were any
differences between groups on the three evaluation constructs. The researcher reported descriptive statistics for
each group (mean, standard deviation), t-value, significance level, and effect size (eta squared).
Table 8. t test to know the significant difference between the overall of educational level who answered the
overall standard about evaluation of king Abdullah scholarship program for each group
Independent Samples Test
Levene's
Test for
Equality of
Variances
t-test for Equality of Means
F Sig. t Df Sig. (2-
tailed)
Mean
Difference
Std. Error
Difference
QOP Equal variances assumed 1.537 .222 -1.582 44 .121 -2.02308 1.27899
Equal variances not assumed -1.644 43.960 .107 -2.02308 1.23040
QOS Equal variances assumed .172 .680 -1.043 44 .303 -1.42692 1.36805
Equal variances not assumed -1.031 39.066 .309 -1.42692 1.38416
QOSN Equal variances assumed .030 .863 -1.524 44 .135 -1.88077 1.23380
Equal variances not assumed -1.504 38.8775 .141 -1.88077 1.25035
TOTAL Equal variances assumed .140 .710 -1.970 44 .055 -5.33077 2.70593
Equal variances not assumed -1.953 39.589 .058 -5.33077 2.72969
Since all the data above showed only a 0.05, there was not a significant difference in evaluation of king
Abdullah scholarship program between the overall educational levels.
Calculation and recommendation
This study examined the King Abdullah Scholarship Program Saudi students in graduate and undergraduate at
Saint Louis universities. Over 46 students responded in the survey with opinions. After collecting the data, the
averages and percentages were used to create a summary to compare students. Through this study it was found
different scores for students who attended at Saint Louis universities. The survey had 25 statements about Saudi
student experiences about this program. The survey consisted of three sections that were about quality of the
program, service, and student needs used in the program. The results received from the study were different.
Some Saudi students who wrote comments in the survey suggested that Saudi students need to learn enough
information about American culture and likewise explain their culture to American people. They also suggested
that they must be helped in finding a job after the completion of the program. For the quality of service, it was
suggested that students must be provided a chance to evaluate it every year to get the higher quality in the
service. Most students agree that service program has both positive and negative effects on students’
achievement. They suggested that SACM should find the best English schools across United States, and if
possible, do a partnership in the programs with them.
The king Abdullah scholarship program should offer a high level of quality in the program through best service
to focus the needs of the students. For quality program, upon asking whether or not the goal of the program was
vivid and clear, only one student among others strongly disagreed. Dissatisfaction was shown by a single student
when asked whether or not the scholarship program helps students to be successful in their academics. Also, one
Saudi student strongly disagreed that the program promotes partnerships with Saudi and American universities.
One strong disagreement and two disagreements were shown by Saudi Students when asked that whether or not
the program is supposed to be continued. With the exception of five students, the rest of the other Saudi students
strongly agreed that this program provides positive exposure of American culture. With the exception of two
strong and one simple disagreement, most Saudi students strongly agreed that the program provides students a
chance to gain good experience that will benefit them one way or another when they return to Saudi Arabia.
Having seen the above suggestions, it is recommended that the King Abdullah scholarship program should
promote partnerships with Saudi and American universities. Moreover, in order to be a part of a knowledge-
based economy, it should help prepare students for the job market.
Regarding some features related the service quality of the program; most of the Saudi students were not satisfied.
Only five out of forty six students strongly agreed when asked whether the quality of service is good. Also, there
were few students who strongly whether they were agreed that the service program meets students’ needs. Only
one student strongly agreed that the overall quality of telephone support was good. Most of the students
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
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disagreed that the time required to resolve issues was reasonable saved two of them. To enhance the quality of
service from SACM, the overall quality of telephone support should be at par of the expectation. The staff must
be prompt and effective in service providing. The time required to resolve issues must be reasonable. The quality
of service should be excellent.
Some Saudi students didn’t show their satisfactions when asked if the monthly stipend is enough for the
student’s needs. A disagreement with the average of 2.72 came up when asked whether the monthly stipend was
adequate for students’ need under the Scholarship program. Only four out of forty six students strongly agreed
when asked that whether the scholarship program should only specifically be for graduate students. Few students
strongly agreed when asked whether the Scholarship program adequately supports students in the goal of getting
the degrees, except one, who strongly disagreed. In order to improve the students’ skill, this scholarship monthly
stipend should be adequate for students’ need. The program should not be only for graduate students but for
undergraduate students as well. Also, the program must help students to find a good job when they complete
their programs.
To expand on the current review of data related to the study of King Abdullah scholarship program, the
researcher recommends to:
1- Research the perception of students' parents about the evaluation of this program.
2- Research the leadership’s perception of Ministry of Higher Education regarding the evaluation this
program.
3- Research the perception about the evaluation of this program not only across US but anywhere across
the globe where the Saudi students are undertaking their studies under this program.
4- Expand and utilize other research based survey instruments that can identify the evaluation’s perception
of this program and compare the result of the findings of this study.
References
Alomar, Mohammed. (2011). The Goals of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. SACM.
Almoteri, K. (2009). The Present Situation of Applying the Educational Supervising Manager’s Plans in the
Different Educational Administrations. Umm Alqura University. Makkah Almokarama. Saudi Arabia.
Alrasheed, Madawi. (2002). A History of Saudi Arabia. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Alzahrani, A. (2008). The Fact of Practicing Leadership from the Directors of Education of Supervision Centre
in Makkah Almokarama Zone. Umm Alqura University. Makkah Almokarama. Saudi Arabia.
Fitzpatrick, Jody; Sanders, James &Worthen, Blaine. (2011). Program Evaluation Alternative Approaches and
Practical Guidelines. 4 edition. Pearson.
Murray, Caillin. (2011). Saudi Arabia Students Flock to Webster. The News Source for Webster University.
Volume 65. Issue 7.
“Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia.” (2009). Higher Education Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Number 31.
“Saudi Arabia Culture Mission.” (2006). The Saudi Arabia Culture Mission. Washington DC. www.sacm.org
Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Alqahtani, He is from Saudi Arabia. His experience in Education field started with a
master of education in Department Administration & Education Supervision. He worked as a teacher’s assistant
at the Department of Education at King Khalid University for three years. Also, he worked in the college library
at King Khalid University. Following completing of his Doctor in Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership
and Higher Education (Educational Administration) at Saint Louis University in the United States, Abdulaziz
works as an assistant professor in the Department of Education at King Khalid University and vice dean of the
deanship of academic development and quality .
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