Session 51: Enhancing international student experience through bespoke academic study support: International Business Management MSc students’ perspectives

Session overview: The internationalisation of higher education (HE) has significantly increased the presence of international students in academic institutions worldwide (Deuchar, 2022). In postgraduate programs, particularly in International Business and Management (IBM), this change comes with language barriers, cultural differences (Lee et al., 2019), critical thinking skills, collaboration, academic styles differences, socio-economic factors, and unfamiliar academic norms (Jones, 2017). Yet, studies are limited on academic support classes (ASCs) especially for the postgraduates compared to the undergraduates (White, 2023). Therefore, our study aimed to gather insights from MSC international postgraduate students at LJMU on how the ASCs initiative enhanced their student experience and success. We conducted a qualitative study via an in-depth semi-structured interviews with MSC IBM students (n=16), who attended ASCs between 2022-2023. Interview questions were based on Schlossberg, Waters and Goodman’s transition theory (1995) on adult behaviours and coping with life situations, events, and change. The results were thematically analysed. Key results that the session will cover: Arrival experience in the first week is crucial and could be defining. Learning approach and hierarchical differences are the top two factors of differences in education systems. Transitioning can prompt positive, negative, and mixed emotional experiences. Academic culture shock for individual student varies - not always negative but could also have positive connotations e.g. a more conducive learning environment and better facilities. Bespoke ASCs are peculiar to LJMU postgraduate IBM programmes, and the initiative bridged academic shock, language barrier and cultural differences. All participants emphasised the positive impact on academic engagement and performance, creation of a sense of belonging and reduction of stress. Key learning points from this session: The presentation will showcase (1) how the ASCs initiative informs student voice and enhances the international student experience (2) ASCs’ importance, benefits, and positive impact for a more vibrant MSc community within LJMU, and as an insightful exemplar for UK universities. Enhancing international student experience through bespoke academic study support: International Business Management MSc students’ perspectives PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.