INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF SUPPORT SERVICES AT U.S. UNIVERSITIES: AN APPLIED CASE STUDY AT CSUF

This paper investigates international students' perceptions of academic and non-academic support services at a U.S. university, with a particular focus on the International Scholar's Office (ISS) and its impact on acculturation stressors. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of international students' perceptions, fill a research gap in this area, and assist the ISS office in recognizing the considerable diversity within the international student population at CSUF. Using a qualitative approach, the study gathers data through interviews to examine international students' satisfaction with various support services offered by the ISS office. The findings indicate that international students' satisfaction with ISS services is influenced by factors such as staff interactions, website quality, email communications, social media platforms, and job and internship opportunities. Students emphasized the need for more approachable and friendly staff, regular feedback mechanisms, an improved ISS website, comprehensive email communications, designated lounges, enhanced social media outreach, and increased support for job and internship opportunities. In conclusion, this research offers valuable insights into the communication preferences and needs of international students and identifies areas where improvements are required to enhance their overall experience at U.S. universities. By addressing these concerns, higher education institutions can better support the diverse and growing international student population, fostering academic success and a more inclusive learning environment