Experiences and adjustment challenges of Nigerian international students in United Kingdom higher institutions.

Abstract

This study sought to quantitatively examine the experiences and challenges of fifty-six Nigerian international students in United Kingdom universities. A 34-item International Students’ Questionnaire was designed to elicit data regarding challenges and experiences of international students which included some demographic data of participants. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Nigerian international students, in UK universities, would rate some challenges and their experiences; and to verify the association between demographic data and challenges and experiences subscales. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and Pearson correlation. Results revealed that social/external challenges are the most disturbing issues faced by most international students. Also, some demographic variables such as gender and employment status of the international students were found to be associated with some challenges and experiences subscales. Implications of these findings were offered to host institutions, academic communities, international student offices and student organisations to adequately support international students in the process of adjusting to university demands and expectations. International students were encouraged to research about the way of life of people in their chosen institutions, the academic rigour, living expenses, and acculturation programs available to them by their institutions and host communities.