Perspectives of South Korean Undergraduate Exchange Students
Author(s): Yin, L., & Huang, L. C.
Citation: Yin, L., & Huang, L. C. (2010). Perspectives of South Korean Undergraduate Exchange Students. Journal of The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, 22(2), 93-111.
Abstract
This in-depth study examined the perspectives of 17 Korean undergraduate exchange students attending a U.S. southern university during the 2005-2006 school year. The struggles and frustrations they experienced; the difficulties they encountered socially, culturally, and academically; their contributions to the American academic community; and their purpose for coming to America for one year were investigated. A 39-item survey was completed by the participants, and interviews with four participants were conducted. In addition to the language barrier, the lack of transportation and opportunities to be exposed to the American culture as well as uneasy transition from living in a city to a small university town attributed to most of their struggles. The findings from this study provide a lens for academic administrators, advisors, and professors to view short-term exchange students and may allow educators to play a more proactive role in assisting in their transition.
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