Learning Experience of Chinese International Students in Master of Education Program at a Mid-Sized Ontario University

The purpose of this study was to investigate the learning experience of Chinese international students in the international cohort of Master of Education (M.Ed.) program at a mid-sized university in Ontario. Data were collected through survey and interviews. All students in international M.Ed. program (14) participated in the survey and 5 of them were interviewed later on. The exploration into the participants revealed that Chinese international students struggled with learning in Canadian tertiary study because of language barriers, cultural shock, different mindsets, unfamiliar curriculum, and a lack of cultural adjustment. These difficulties had made their academic and social lives challenging and influenced their academic achievement. Then corresponding strategies to cope with these challenges were reported. Finally, participants also provided their own suggestions to improve the international cohort of M.Ed. program in order to facilitate international students’ academic achievement