Issues and Challenges of International Students in Bangladesh: IUBAT

Submitted to

Hasanuzzaman Tushar
Lecturer
Department of CBA

Submitted by

Group name: Flamingo

Course Code: BUS301
Section: A

Members:
1. Tania Rahman Mim 18102023
2. Mansur Marjan Sabrin 18102163
3. Faria Nishat Siddiki 18102159
4. Md. Nazmul Hossen 18102040

IUBAT—International University of Business Agriculture and Technology

 Introduction

Generally being a student is a challenge, and being an international student is an even bigger one.
There are a huge number of foreign students in Bangladesh. They have not only come from our
neighboring countries like India, Bhutan, Nepal but also from countries like  Myanmar, 
Pakistan, Yemen, Ghana, Somalia etc. Most of them are in Medical Colleges, IUT, IUBAT,
AIUB, IUB, NSU etc. This study is for identifying the factors that come into play when
international students are transitioning to study in the Bangladesh. There are some articles which
explained the issues that international student face in their study life. This research study is in
perspective of IUBAT. Here most of the international students are from Somalia. According to
them they are facing some common problem, they are: Culture Shock, Communication problem,
Finances, Academic pressure etc.

Problem Statement

There are many international students who face challenges as they pursue higher education
outside of their home countries. The success of international students depends on many factors,
such as the adjustment to their new environment, academic pressure, finances, language barriers,
and loneliness. The stressors that international students face need to be explored, but the
language barrier is the first challenge that should be addressed for students who do not use
English as their first language. Also culture shock, alienation, and even simple things in daily life
that may have a psychological impact on international students, which in turn may cause them to
experience serious problems related to their academic and social experiences. International
students are less likely to experience social and academic challenges if they have a good
relationship with their academic advisor. International students are a part of both the academic
and social community in the country where they live and study. It is not easy for international
students to adapt to a new learning environment because there are different styles of study in
their home country.

Research Question
What are the issues and challenges international students face in their study life?

Research Objectives

The main objectives of this research are:

 To identify the reasons why they are more likely to study in Bangladesh: IUBAT
 To identify the problems they face in their daily life.

Methods

The main purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the factors related to
challenges and issues that international students face in their study.

Design and participants:

We conduct this research based on in-depth interview. The method we applied to conduct the
research on the issues and challenges that international students face is purposive sampling
method. We choose this method by focusing on (a) respondents those who are international
students (b) respondents those have done at least three semesters. We talked to 2 students among
them one was from Somalia and another was from Djibouti. Among them one is in 8th semester
and another is in 10th semester. Both of them were IUBAT students.

Data collection process:

For collecting data we did a survey on international students. A semi-structured question was
prepared for collecting data. We talked to both of the respondents. The duration of each
discussion lasted up to 10 min. Open ended questions were asked to the respondents to get the
proper information for the study. Several follow-up questions were asked such as, what do you
mean or can you tell us more.
 Data analysis

Data analysis was done simultaneously with data collection. Thematic analysis was conducted to
identify themes, with subthemes. Thematic analysis is basically the method for identifying,
analyzing and reporting patterns (themes) within data. It goes through six phases of analysis. We
conducted this analysis of qualitative data through axial coding. Respondents’ answers were used
for organizing data. After analysis of the survey data, themes and findings were compared with
the in-depth interviews (with participant confirmation of the accuracy of the transcription). It is
the analysis of this final process that is reported in this study.

Trustworthiness:

We employed multiple interviews through survey and questionnaire, considered various

perspectives both within the research team and from the perspectives of the participants,
carefully analyzed all data collected in a fair and just manner, and endeavored, in their respect
for the “value of qualitative inquiry,” to provide richness and depth to the study. Additionally,
researchers acknowledged the subjectivity of the research, and through thick description, a
naturalistic methodology for data collection, and member checking, attempted to establish
trustworthiness. By doing so, the researchers gave due “attention to issues of validity, reliability,
and triangulation” (Patton, 1999). To address conformability, six steps framework for analysis
provides logical and accurate interpretation of the data.

Ethical consideration:

Ethical approval from IUBAT was obtained. There were no known risks or potential harm to the
participants. All participants were informed about the objectives of the study and written consent
was obtained. Participation from the study could be made at any time. Participants were
informed that any evaluation report and subsequent publication would respect their
confidentiality. And it will continue to be maintained by keeping all records in a secure location.

RESULTS

The participants in this study were international students attending IUBAT. This survey was
done by two international students from Somalia and Djibouti. In an effort to enhance
understanding of key aspects relating to the problems and perceptions of international students,
open-ended, follow-up interview questions served to further investigate their lived experiences.
After the interview of the respondents, the researchers decided on the themes that emerged from
the responses provided. This in-depth interview was conducted with a purposive sample method.
Based on this analysis of participant responses, two themes emerged these are: (a) Situational
constraints and (b) Economic and cultural challenges. The themes of experience manifest in the
following headings: the city, the people, home sickness, and the challenges. The topic of
challenges is further analyzed in a series of subheadings: language, jobs and finances,
transportation, adjustments and cultural assimilation, cultural and religious encounters, and
double identities.

Theme 1: Situational constraints

Situational constraints are factors which place limits on the extent to which attitudes, personal
attributes, and motivation translate into behaviors and performance. The theme Situational
constraints are made with the categories city, people, home sickness etc.

The city:

The participants demonstrated both positive and not so positive reflections about the city. They
really like the facilities of this city like shopping malls, digitalization, visiting places etc. But
there are some factors like traffic, politics etc which they don’t like much.

Mohamed who is from Djibouti said that, “I visited many of the malls. And I really liked the
products. I get so many options with better quality in less money. Also about visiting places in
Bangladesh I visited some places in Dhaka, Chattogram, Savar. And I really liked these places.”
He also said that, “A place where I can go within 10 min for traffic jam it needs about 30 min
which is huge! And I don’t like this much. ”

And Isse Omar Ali who is from Somalia said that, “I really like the services I get here. It’s very
easy to get information about any place on internet.” He also added that, “The sometimes for the
politics I faced a bit problem, which I didn’t like much!”

People:

The respondents said that they face a lot language problem that’s why they face problems in
terms of making friends.

Isse Omar Ali who is from Somalia said that, “Sometimes when I went to talk to somebody who
is Bengali, I feel shy when they start talking among themselves in Bengali and I cannot
understand them.”

Lonely and homesick:

One of the biggest challenges for Mohamed was to be far from his family. It was not easy to
leave home and come to a country that is miles away. With emotion, he tells more about the time
he realized he would be far from her family and old life.
Theme 2: Economic and cultural challenges:

When participants shared their challenges, several social, cultural, and economic themes began
to emerge. The challenges they revealed were primarily related to six particular categories. These
were language, transportation, finances, adjustments, socio-cultural adaptation, and other
challenges unique to the participants.

Language:

Firstly English was a challenge for every of them because Somalia was their first language. So
whenever they went to explain their thoughts to Bengalis they face a bit problem. However,
Djibouti participant Mohamed highlighted that some of his Bengali friends helped him to
improve a lot during the free period.

The Somalian participant said, “The language is an all day challenge for me outside the
university. Inside the campus people try to understand you. But outside the campus, no! That
limits me to go out. I cannot express my feelings.”

Finances:

According to the Djibouti participant he doesn’t face any financial problems.

But Somalia participant added that, “I come here by taking a limited amount of money. So, I
need to spend money carefully. Also I worked in a shop about one month.”

Transportation:

The transportation was a unique challenge that was directly related to the city of this study.
There was not a dependable public transportation system available, an issue that was echoed by
several participants. The participants revealed that even though the university does have a
transportation system, it does not adequately meet the needs of individual international students.

Mohamed said that, “Oh, the transportation is the big issue. I stay close to Campus. Sometimes I
walk for the traffics.”

Religion:

As Bangladesh is a muslim country and they are also muslims so they don’t face any problem in
terms of religion. However, during Eid times they celebrate their eid vacation in their country.
Academic challenges:

Different educational programs and professors embrace varying views on

assignments and workload, but, regardless, one must take on a lot of readings and write
numerous papers that add to international students’ academic challenges.

Limitations

The limitations to this study included a small sample size, the inclusion of only one type of data
collected from questionnaires, and the inability to interview the participants in their mother
tongue. Another limitation is time limitation.

Discussion and conclusion

This study has attempted to contribute to what is known about this phenomenon. Much of what
exists in the current literature was supported here. For example, language and academic
challenges existed and emerged as real issues of difficulty for the participants. However, there
were several aspects of this study that were unique and deserve the attention of universities
interested in better serving their international student population, especially universities that
reside in small towns or regional settings. First, the notion of
transportation was an essential element of the challenges that the participants of this study
expressed. Another important theme that emerged and that was unique to this study is the impact
of religion. Religion is a large component of many people’s lives and culture. Meanwhile, as
time passes, then the challenge becomes the shock of the idiosyncrasies of culture. After the
initial cultural shock, then the challenges shift to academic issues. Different educational
programs and professors embrace varying views on
assignments and workload, but, regardless, one must take on a lot of readings and write
numerous papers that add to international students’ academic challenges. Financial, social, and
religious challenges persist throughout the international student experience. The essential
purpose of this study was to further what was known about the challenges international students
face. Higher education is faced with the reality of an increasing population of international
students. Any discussion surrounding the challenges of international students can only benefit
the universities in addressing these issues, ultimately helping these establishments of higher
learning in the education of all of study.

Acknowledgement

We would like to give our first expression and our deepest gratitude to the almighty for giving us
the opportunities and the strength to finish the task successfully within the schedule time.

The research titled “Issues and Challenges of International Students in Bangladesh: IUBAT
”has been chosen to accomplish the requirement of BUS301 course. We are very happy that we
have received sincere guidance, supervisor and co-operation from various persons.

We would like to give our honor and thanks to our supervisor, course instructor for his
unexpected guidance, encouragement and patience and for giving us the opportunity to do this
project work. His valuable suggestion and strict guidance helped us to prepare a well-organized
project paper. We also give thanks to all the team members for their supporting and hard work,
for their valuable support and hard work, for their valuable support to create a good project
paper.

Finally, we want to give our honor and deepest love to our parents for their support,
encouragement and endless love.

References

Pedersen, P. B. (1991). Counseling international students. The counseling psychologist, 19(1),

10-58.

Andrade, M. S. (2006). International students in English-speaking universities: Adjustment

factors. Journal of Research in International education, 5(2), 131-154.

Misra, R., & Castillo, L. G. (2004). Academic stress among college students: Comparison of
American and international students. International Journal of stress management, 11(2), 132.
 Appendix

Consent Form

Hello sir/mam, we are from International University of Business Agriculture And Technology.
We are conducting a research regarding challenges on issues of international students in
Bangladesh. We choose IUBAT as an organization for the research. We have some short
questionnaire that consist of 13 and should take no longer than 10 to 20 minutes of your time. All
information will be kept confidential as well as this research will be helpful for international
students. So you are free stop the conversation of any time. If you don’t want to participate, it’s
absolutely okay. If you want your answers will be represented by alias name. If you don’t have
any problem and give the permission we want to record your answers. All the records will be
erased after the research.

Please fill up the form given below; if you are interested to be a part of this research or to know
about the research.

Name
Gender
Country(where from)
University(studying at)
Department
Semester

 I……………………………………… voluntarily agree to participate in this research

study.
 I understand that even if I agree to participate now, I can withdraw at any time or refuse
to answer any question without any consequences of any kind.
 I understand that I can withdraw permission to use data from my interview within two
weeks after the interview, in which case the material will be deleted.
 I have had the purpose and nature of the study explained to me in writing and I have had
the opportunity to ask questions about the study.
 I understand that I will not benefit directly from participating in this research.
 I agree to my interview being audio-recorded.
 I understand that all information I provide for this study will be treated confidentially.
 I understand that in any report on the results of this research my identity will remain
anonymous. This will be done by changing my name and disguising any details of my
interview which may reveal my identity or the identity of people I speak about.
  I understand that disguised extracts from my interview may be quoted in… [List all
forum in which you plan to use the data from the interview: dissertation, conference
presentation, published papers etc.].
 I understand that if I inform the researcher that I or someone else is at risk of harm they
may have to report this to the relevant authorities they will discuss this with me first but
may be required to report with or without my permission.
 I understand that signed consent forms and original audio recordings will be retained in
[specify location, security arrangements and who has access to data] until [specific
relevant period – for students this will be until the exam board confirms the results of
their dissertation].
 I understand that a transcript of my interview in which all identifying information has
been removed will be retained for [specific relevant period – for students this will be two
years from the date of the exam board].
 I understand that under freedom of information legalization I am entitled to access the
information I have provided at any time while it is in storage as specified above.
 I understand that I am free to contact any of the people involved in the research to seek
further clarification and information.

Names, degrees, affiliations and contact details of researchers (and academic supervisors when
relevant).

Signature of research participant

----------------------------------------- ----------------

Signature of participant Date

Signature of researcher

I believe the participant is giving informed consent to participate in this study

------------------------------------------ ----------------------

Signature of researcher Date

Questions

Please answer these questions freely as you can. There is no right or wrong answer. The
objective of this interview is to fully understand your thoughts, opinions and experiences with
regards to these questions. Shall we begin?

1. What are the common problems you face in this country?

2. What kind of problems you face to explain your thoughts and feelings even if you cannot
find the accurate words?
3. What are the difficulties you go through for understanding the lectures?
4. What do you expect the most challenging aspects of studying abroad?
5. Is there any financial problem after coming Bangladesh?
Or are you doing any job here? Is it not necessary?
6. How do you deal with home sickness?
7. When you eat food, what is the weirdest thing you eat in Bangladesh?
8. When you use public transport do you face any difficulties?
9. What are the people you lived with like?
10. What is hardest adjustment you have made?
11. Are here any expenses you aren’t expecting?
12. How did you pick Bangladeshi program?
13. Which challenges do you think you will face loving and studying in different country?

Thank you very much for your participation in the study and your time. If you are interested in
seeing the results of the study, please give us your email address so we can send a summary of
the results to you. If, for any reason, you need to contact us, please feel free to call or email one
of us at the info given in informed consent form.
Transcription:

Respondent 1 (Djibouti participant):

The Researcher: Hello sir, if you are free can we talk for a bit?

Mohamed: Sure!

The Researcher: Basically we are conducting a research regarding challenges on issues of

international students in Bangladesh. And as you are an international student so if you have time
can you answer some of our questions?

Mohamed: Yes! For sure. How much time it will take?

The Researcher: It will take no longer than 10 to 20 minutes of your time. So shall we begin?

Mohamed: okay!

The Researcher: what are the common problems you face in this country ?

Mohamed: The main and common problem we face this is communication, because the most of
the people use Bangla language .

The Researcher: what are the difficulties you go through for understanding the lecture ?

Mohamed: we do not face any difficulties to understanding the lecture .

The Researcher: How do you deal with home sickness ?

Mohamed: when we fell sick then we go to the medicine shop, but it fell batter if we stay with
our family .

The Researcher: When you eat food , what is the weirdest thing you eat in Banglades ?

Mohamed: We do not find any weirdest because of we find many similarity in Bangladeshi
food.

The Researcher: When you use public transport do you face any difficulties ?

Mohamed: Oh, the transportation is the big issue. I stay close to Campus. Sometimes I walk for
the traffics. A place where I can go within 10 min for traffic jam it needs about 30 min which is
huge! And I don’t like this much.

The Researcher: Which challenges do you think you will face loving and studying in different
country?
 Mohamed: I visited many of the malls. And I really liked the products. I get so many options
with better quality in less money. Also about visiting places in Bangladesh I visited some places
in Dhaka, Chattogram, Savar. And I really liked these places.

The Researcher: What is hardest adjustment you have made?

Mohamed: It was not easy to leave home and come to a country that is miles away. And in times
of home sickness I feel very alone and this is my hardest adjustment.
Theme: