International Students’ Perceptions of their Learning Environment in Graduate Programs at One Normal University in China

Abstract

This study was an investigation of the international students’ perceptions of their learning environment in graduate programs at one normal university in China. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample comprised 91 international students, 51 Master and 40 doctoral from three schools: Education, Life Sciences and Chemistry. A structured questionnaire, the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) served as the main instrument for quantitative data collection. The semi-structured interview was used to gather qualitative data. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. International students had positive perceptions about the learning environment. International students’ majors and length of stay in China influenced perceptions about the learning environment. It is recommended that the curriculum be reviewed to offer more specialized courses.

Keywords: International students, perceptions, learning environment, graduate programs