FINDING part

The Experiences of Saudi Students at Saint Louis University

Research Question

“How does the International student's office support Graduate Saudi students in presenting their cultural background?”

purpose of this paper

Purpose The importance of investigating the research question is it will lead to the collection of sufficient empirical data that can be used to justify the existence of the International Student’s Support Office. It is worth noting that the entity under question was established to ensure that students are equipped with necessary skills to overcome the intercultural shock they experience in their learning environment. Scope The office of international students encourages and promotes the intercultural growth and global perspectives of all members of Saint Louis University community. This proposal explores the experiences of graduate students from Saudi Arabia about how International students’ office support international students in presenting their cultural background and compares their varying points of view. Discussions with attendees will be after finishing the presentation. Attendees The following names will present the

Abstract

This paper is regarding understand how the expectations of Saudi graduate students vary and what they regard as consumer satisfaction during their won experience in higher education at Saint Louis University. So, this study aims to investigate the critical role of the International Student’s Office in encouraging and promoting the intercultural growth and global perspectives of all members of Saint Louis University community.

Introduction

Currently, the number of Saudi International students who enroll in United States institutions of higher learning has increased considerably. Consequently, huge social and cultural impacts will influence these Saudi international students who move through the acculturation process that accompanies their studies. Most of the Saudi graduate students are equipped with necessary skills to overcome the intercultural shock they experience in their learning environment. However, they still need more support from the International student's office at U.S universities to be more satisfied with their learning experience. For that reason, this paper will explore the experiences of graduate students from Saudi Arabia about how International students’ office at Saint Louis University support international students in presenting their cultural background and compares their varying points of view.

The significant of the study

This study is significant because it will help to fully understand the variation of international students' expectations and satisfaction with their experience in higher learning at Saint Louis University. The office of international students at Saint Louis University encourages the intercultural growth and global perspectives of all students. So, this study will help to improve the activities and facilitations that the office of international students effort. Admittedly, that will promote and arise the sense of respecting diversity and get along with different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.

METHODS

This work takes an auto-ethnographic approach to inquiry. Researchers utilizing the auto-ethnographic approach reflect on their lived experiences via writing (Delmont, 2009; Ellis & Bochner, 2000). According to Schwandt (2000, p. 13) auto-ethnography “commonly refers to a particular form of writing that seeks to unite ethnographic (looking outward at a world beyond one’s own) and autobiographical (gazing inward for a story of one’s self) intentions.” The auto-ethnographic nature of this work requires collaboration between myself as a teacher-scholar, and participating students. Hence, the students who participate serve as the work’s second authors.

Using an auto-ethnographic approach, students used journaling to share their experiences in the classroom. The group collectively worked to decide upon journaling prompts to use for their focused journal entries.

Data Analysis

Names were removed from journal entries and the constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. With roots in grounded theory, the constant comparative method of data analysis is commonly used in varied forms of qualitative research and prompts the researcher to identify reoccurring patterns in the data (Merriam, 2009).

Multiple researchers were used during the data analysis process to facilitate triangulation.

FINDINGS (My Part )

Below Example for you to help you answer my part:

The following themes emerged as a result of using the constant comparative method. The themes are arranged in relation to relevant journal entry questions.

Perception of the Research Question Before Creating the Concept Map

Using a concept map for research was a first time experience for many participants. Students noted that initially their research questions were vague yet became clearer. Many found the mapping process interesting.

Perception of the Research Question After Creating the Concept Map

The process of using the concept map allowed participants to identify missing elements of the research process. Using the concept map resulted in their having a clear plan to organize their research and developed their research questions. Students believed the concept map was helpful and useful, as it offered a visual map of their research goals and clarified their ideas. Some student noted that the process resulted in new research related discoveries.

Priorities While Doing the Concept Map

Priorities while developing the concept map included capturing details and main points of the research process. Some students considered delving deeper in the research as a priority, while others were concerned about getting sidetracked and staying on topic. Some individuals focused in depth, while others focused on the broad overview of their research when approaching the concept map.

Lessons Learned as a New Researcher by Creating the Concept Map

Students learned that the concept map assisted them in organizing their thoughts as researchers and as a study aid. The map also contributed to their increased confidence and knowledge of research as well as applying it to their specific topics. They further believed that the map assisted in planning their research and preparing for the future writing process

Conclusion

Like other international students, Saudi students face some different challenges while studying at United States institutions, the difference in academic practices, and the unfamiliar social life. However, the office of international students at Saint Louis University efforts many and different activities and facilitations for all community members to help the international students feel more comfortable so they can succeed academically and socially. In this study, Saudi graduate students at Saint Louis University have a positive experience with the activities and facilitations that the office of international students effort. Also, they gave some critical suggestions and ideas to improve the role of the office of international students at Saint Louis University to be better in the future.