Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand how social networks, cultural differences, and university experiences influence international undergraduate students' satisfaction and persistence, among international undergraduate students at a small, non-profit, private university in Southern California. Methodology. This study used a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of international students. The researcher interviewed ten international full-time undergraduate students who had been studying at the university for at least one year. The students, from nine countries, ranged from sophomore to seniors. Findings. International students in this study reported being mildly-satisfied to satisfied with their university experience. All students reported their friendship networks, consisting of combinations of domestic and other international students as important in influencing their satisfaction. Students also reported involvement in university-related organizations as crucial to their satisfaction. International students also felt their academic experience was an important component of their satisfaction. They perceived academics as providing practical experience and helping to establish professional networks. Those who perceived the greatest challenges in cultural differences felt the least satisfaction. The level of satisfaction did not affect degree completion; it influenced if a student would transfer universities in hypothetical scenarios. Conclusions. Friendships were viewed as pivotal to students' satisfaction. Friendship networks consisted of either primarily domestic students or a mix of international and domestic students. Academic experiences perceived as having real world applicability and relevance also contributed to satisfaction. Cultural differences making students feel unwelcome contributed to dissatisfaction. Different elements contributed to or detracted from satisfaction depending on the student. Satisfaction did not have a strong relationship with degree completion in this study. Recommendations. It is important for international students to research study options, get engaged on campus, acknowledge challenges, and keep an open mind about their experiences. Universities should strive to provide opportunities for meaningful engagement and understand international student perceptions and work to address them.