Dr. Yvonne Moogan, Salford MBA Director

As global mobility rises there is an increase in the diversity of the learners creating challenges for both the learner and for the educator. International students are often seen as problematic, but, is it really their fault?

In the interests of equality and given internationalisation of the curriculum with the influx of international students to the UK, we have a duty to ascertain whether or not a traditional MBA course design is biased to the home student (UK) and prejudiced against the international student.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a responsibility to ensure that all students accepted onto their courses have an equal opportunity to succeed and more needs to be known about the variables affecting international student performance and integration within the class room. Culture shock can be massive for all new students but particularly international students who are away from home for the first time in a foreign country where English is not their first language and they are not used to the UK HE learning environment and the culture of their new country.

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Pinyapat Kobkhunphaisan

Since my arrival at Salford Business School I have learned a number of things, but one stood out for me and it is one that I did not expect away from home – that is international students friendship. There are a number of fellow international students – some of my new found friends are from Nigeria, Vietnam, China and all over Europe. All of them are studying and socialising at the University of Salford – developing great friendships and we are collectively enriching our learning experience.

I have learned a lot in the formal lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, but the cultural diversity of  other students studying on the same course added that unexpected extra dimension of international cultural awareness. I have made many friends and I am able to shared and experience multiple international cultures, ideas and opinions from different parts of the world.

Friendship provides harmony whilst studying, but it also offers a great resource since a number of modules during my degree rely on group work. Working in international groups allows me to develop team working abilities which are so important in today’s globalized world where business is increasingly relying on international trade.

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