Assessing the Role of Academic Advisors in Retention of International Students

The retention of international students should not be viewed as the responsibility of only international student advisors on the college campus. Instead, as suggested by Mamiseishvili (2012), it should become a joint responsibility of a broader campus community, including faculty, academic advisors, English language program staff, and student affairs professionals. Inspired by these ideas, this qualitative research study focused on international students\u27 experiences during their advising sessions with their academic advisors at a four-year, post-secondary private institution in Massachusetts. The study was conducted by interviewing ten international students from different majors. This research explored the necessary information and resources international students require to be successful. The results showed that international students go through a period of struggle when they fail to integrate with the American education system. The findings also suggest that international students’ needs more guidance from their academic advisors on course requirements, major requirements, and career information. Participants wanted their advising sessions to be focused on international students’ needs. Recommendations include providing group advising, offering information sessions to help international students gain important skills and knowledge, and expanded training for advisors