Leman, Jacob (2021) Comparing the perceived barriers to accessing support services at the University of Groningen for internationals and native students. Bachelor thesis.
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Research Step 7- Final Bachelor Thesis- Jacob Leman FOR PUBLIC.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview |
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.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Human Geography and Planning |
| Supervisor: | Steen, P.J.M. van and Miller, C.A. |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Jun 2022 07:33 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Jun 2022 07:33 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3838 |
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