When students are traveling to study abroad, they may face different issues such as loneliness, isolation, discrimination that may affect their academic performance and cause stress and mental health problems directly or indirectly.
Di Tommaso and Spinner found out that integration into social networks is the best predictor of lower levels of social loneliness. Universities provide support for international students and it is intended to facilitate an optimal (from the point of view of the universities) academic and social adjustment, however, causing boring and lonely social life ‘outside the classroom’ and feeling a lack of belonging contribute to their sense of alienation in the host society.
Due to the heavy study load and stress and because of lack of time, international students tend to have more in-door activities. Because of the developed technologies and internet, most of them prefer to communicate through social media: especially when they encounter problems in their daily life, they tend to search solutions via social channels on internet.
Moreover, the media channels that The Hague University of Applied Sciences (hereinafter HHS) uses now seems not to be adequate for integration. HHS uses media tools such as blackboard and emails to communicate with the students, and students could theoretically build up certain conversation via blackboard. However, students consider both channels as “formal” channels that are one-way communication channels instead of desired social channels which is two-way communication. In other words, students expect an effective mediator that can help them to understand and to adapt to the new studying and living environment.
Hence, it is important to develop effective media channels that will contribute to integration among international students at HHS by providing recommendations for improvement in media channels and exploring possible solutions to the problem.
Project Objective:
To develop a communication plan aimed at integrating international students at the Hague University by providing recommendations for improvement of media channels.
Advice Question:
How to use media channels in order to enhance integration of the international students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences?
Research Question:
What are the factors that contribute to establishing of an effective media platform in order to improve the integration of international students?
Table of Contents
1. Annotation
2. Introduction
3. Situation analysis
4. Problem & Gap
4.1 Social Media and Academic Achievement
4.2 Social media and personal life
4.3 What’s Blackboard
5. Survey results
5.1 Findings I (Interview with THU Representative)
5.2 Findings II (Interview with Students)
5.3 Summary of Data
6. Solution
6.1 Platform
6.2 The Communication Wall
6.3 Budget
Project Goals and Thematic Focus
This project aims to develop a communication plan to enhance the integration of international students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences by evaluating current media channels and proposing improved communication solutions. The research focuses on identifying factors that contribute to an effective media platform that bridges the gap between existing university communication tools and the social and academic needs of international students.
- Analysis of the influence of communication platforms on student social integration.
- Investigation into how social networking sites are utilized for student support and socialization.
- Identification of deficiencies in current university-provided media channels.
- Development of a strategy for a centralized online community platform.
- Exploration of innovative feedback mechanisms like a physical "communication wall."
Excerpt from the Book
Problem & Gap
Investing in a communication platform not only ensure appropriate integration of international students, but also ensure that international students better use the sources and facilities in order to improve their academic performance and life quality in the Netherlands. This integration platform is not just nice to have one, it is vital to differentiate with other universities and contribute to the reputation of HHS.
Unfortunately, the information or facilities that international students can find and use are very limited. For instance, HHS states on their website that university has “ several restaurants, extensive sport facilities and student lounges to help them unwind and meet friends… But if you would like to talk to someone when you might face a problem, there is always someone here for you, we make you feel at home!” (See Figure 1 below) More than 90% of the respondents that have been interviewed in the framework of this project claim that they do not have enough time and budget to go to those “restaurants, sport facilities and students lounges”, and in most of situations, it takes very long time to find anyone who can help them. Some respondents use words such as “bad experience”, “no respect”, “terrible memories” to express their feelings.
Summary of Chapters
Annotation: This section outlines the challenges faced by international students, such as loneliness and alienation, and highlights the need for effective media channels to facilitate better social and academic adjustment.
Introduction: This chapter introduces the scope of the project, focusing on how different communication platforms influence the social integration of students into university life.
Situation analysis: This chapter provides an overview of the current student population at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the existing digital landscape of the university.
Problem & Gap: This chapter identifies the inadequacy of existing university channels, which are perceived as formal, one-way communication tools rather than supportive, two-way social platforms.
Survey results: This chapter presents data gathered from interviews with university representatives and surveys from students regarding their needs and communication preferences.
Solution: This chapter proposes a comprehensive online community platform and a physical "communication wall" to improve student engagement and facilitate social and academic support.
Keywords
International students, social integration, academic adjustment, communication platforms, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, social media technology, student engagement, higher education, student support, community building, digital communication, user-generated content, university life, feedback mechanisms, student persistence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this project?
The project focuses on enhancing the social and academic integration of international students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences by improving the university's communication strategy.
What are the central themes of the research?
The main themes include student isolation, the effectiveness of formal versus social communication channels, and the role of digital platforms in fostering university belonging.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine which factors contribute to an effective media platform that can help international students navigate their new educational and social environment.
Which methodology was applied?
The methodology involved reviewing academic literature, conducting surveys among international students, and interviewing key university representatives regarding existing support structures.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers a situation analysis of current university infrastructure, an identification of the "gap" in existing services, and a detailed proposal for a multi-functional online platform.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include social integration, international students, communication platforms, student support, and university life.
Why are current HHS communication channels considered insufficient?
Students perceive existing channels like email and Blackboard as formal, one-way communication tools that lack the social interactivity required for daily life advice and peer connection.
What is the purpose of the proposed "Communication Wall"?
It serves as a creative, physical feedback mechanism to collect student needs before building the digital platform and to advertise the platform after completion.
How does the project plan to fund the solution?
The project estimates a website launch budget between $27,000 and $110,000, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and user-friendly B2B interface.
- Quote paper
- Karina Oborune (Author), 2014, Building Understanding and Enhancing the International Student Integration at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/316788
