Exploring practices for Supporting and Enhancing the Integration of International students in Irish Higher Education Institutions

The over-arching aim of this research study is to contribute to the body of knowledge on International student integration in Irish HE. This thesis explores the practices used to support and enhance the integration of International students with a view to contributing constructively to the integration process. The literature review confirmed deficiencies in the integration of International students within a HE setting, thus justifying the rationale for further investigation. The exploration of suitable methodological approaches led to the adoption of an applied research perspective in the form of a change-orientated action research study. The research questions evolved simultaneously within this action research methodological design. The two-part design corresponds to a preliminary research question and a central research question. The preliminary question sought to to elicit knowledge from experienced professionals that was used for the curation and design of a change-orientated resource, namely a student integration workshop. Findings revealed best practice approaches, exemplars of student supports and recommendations for resource design. The central research question subsequently sought to determine the perceptions of International students in relation to the workshop, designed to support and enhance integration. This process elicited data in relation to the content, effectiveness and adaptability of the workshop. Findings were then used to supplement and improve the resource for future delivery in line with the action research ‘cycle’ of plan, act, observe, reflect and plan again. The results of this study, i.e. the integration workshop and the subsequent findings are impactful in supporting the process of International student integration contribute to the body of knowledge in this space. Furthermore, findings suggest opportunities for the adaptability of the resource for delivery in alternative settings such as professional / workplace environments.