Open AccessTRANSFORMATIVE ELEMENTS AND SELF-ACCULTURATION FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF FRESHMAN YEAR AT MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES AS THE MEDIUM OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Author(s) -
Irma Wani Othman,
Mohd Kamal Mohd Shah,
Muhammad Safuan Yusoff,
Mohd Sohaimi Esa,
Romzi Ationg,
Muhammad Hasbi Abdul Rahman
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of education, psychology and counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0128-164X
DOI - 10.35631/ijepc.639002
Subject(s) - transformative learning , acculturation , study abroad , reputation , higher education , psychology , academic achievement , international education , pedagogy , sociology , mathematics education , public relations , medical education , political science , social science , ethnic group , medicine , anthropology , law
The academic aspect plays a vital role as a transformative element in bringing change into the life of each individual. One of the main goals for students to continue their studies abroad is to obtain a high-quality education. The freshman experience is considered an important phase involving self-assimilation, emotional change, cultural shock, and social values that can influence the academic achievement of international students. The discussion of this paper detailing the factors that contribute to a more meaningful freshman year experience is differentiated by comparing the process of self-assimilation and academic achievement of international students. The qualitative approach using the purposive sampling technique has involved in-depth interviews of 40 international students from four Malaysian Public Universities. The findings of the study generate a self-reflective understanding of the nature of international students which is translated through selective narratives of emotional outpouring, describing excitement, desire, and hope. The new findings for this study relate to the elements of transformation and self-assimilation of students who have an interrelationship with (i) The reputation of Malaysian Public Universities as a prestigious study destination, (ii) The quality of the higher education system which is more comprehensive and versatile, (iii) Flexibility and the dynamics of the academic programmes offered, (iv) Contemporary and market-driven study programmes, and (v) The added value of English proficiency as a method of learning and teaching. The sharing of empirical data of this study is expected to be useful information to the human resource management of the university which has a high dependence on the enrolment of international students. This effort is in line with the National Strategic Plan for Higher Education (PSPTN) which was formulated with the vision of transforming Malaysia into a hub of excellence in higher education on the international stage.