eprintid: 3838
rev_number: 5
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/38/38
datestamp: 2022-06-21 07:33:00
lastmod: 2022-06-21 07:33:00
status_changed: 2022-06-21 07:33:00
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Leman, Jacob
creators_id: S3930874
creators_email: lemanjb@hotmail.co.uk
title: Comparing the perceived barriers to accessing support services at the University of Groningen for internationals and native students
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: This thesis compares international and native degree-seeking students at the University of Groningen in their perceived accessibility, and knowledge, of student support services. The study also compares experiences of formal ‘hard’ and informal ‘soft’ support services. Through a mixed-methods approach, using quantitative data for statistical analysis and qualitative data to give evidence to findings, this thesis seeks to answer the question: 
“Do international students at the University of Groningen perceive, compared to native students, additional challenges in accessing university support services?”
Contrary to much prior research, this study finds that there is no statistical difference between international and native students when it comes to challenges in accessing university support services. There is, however, a statistical difference in perceived barriers to accessing soft and hard services: soft services are perceived to be significantly harder to access than hard services, especially among native students. This is thought to be because of a number of reasons discussed in the theoretical framework: while language and distance from traditional support networks play major roles in decreasing international’s accessibility to support services, native students face cultural barriers particularly when accessing informal support. The study concludes with implications for future research and university policy: listening to the student body with compassion is key.
date: 2021
pages: 40
thesis_type: bachelor
degree_programme: SGP
tutors_name: Steen, P.J.M. van
tutors_name: Miller, C.A.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Bureau Onderwijs
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Planologie
tutors_email: P.J.M.van.Steen@rug.nl
tutors_email: c.a.miller@rug.nl
security: staffonly
keywords_local: student support services
keywords_local: international student
keywords_local: human geography
keywords_local: mixed methods
keywords_local: mental health and wellbeing
language_iso: en
agreed_repository: yes
date_issued: 2022-06-16
comment: Appendix: pp.27-pp.40
citation:   Leman, Jacob  (2021) Comparing the perceived barriers to accessing support services at the University of Groningen for internationals and native students.  Bachelor thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/3838/1/Research%20Step%207-%20Final%20Bachelor%20Thesis-%20Jacob%20Leman%20FOR%20PUBLIC.pdf