MANAGEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENT: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Despite the wide meaning of internationalization and the range of activities and strategies it includes, the coreactivity which promotes internationalization still is student mobility.Mobility means important educational and social benefits, though, in order to gain the benefits, it is significant to study international students’ academic adjustment to foster academic achievements. The case study conducted at the University of Latvia, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art examined the challenges of students’ academic adjustment. The findings indicate that students’ low English proficiency, involvement in extracurricular activities and wrong course selection criteria eventually leads to lower performance and achievement in academic studies. In the framework of the study practical suggestions are worked out to improve the management of the international students’ academic adjustment. The suggestions include adaptation week, peer support programme, study course modules and preparatory courses for international students to foster their academic adjustment at the university.