A phenomenological case study of sense of belonging among international students at a private Islamic college in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

The number of international students in Malaysia has increased significantly today. Being away from their home country had exposed them to various challenges which lead to sense of belonging issue. The main purpose of this qualitative research is to understand sense of belonging towards the college for international students in a private Islamic College in Kuala Lumpur. The study also aim to explore i) international students definition on sense of belonging towards the college; ii) international students’ experiences in relation to sense of belonging towards the college; iii) coping strategies employed by international students to deal with the challenging experiences in a new environment; iv) the roles of sense of belonging in enhancing students’ performance and v) international students’ suggestions to enhance or develop sense of belonging towards their college. Twelve international students from various countries such as from Nigeria, Bangladesh, The Philippines, Maldives, China, Egypt, Iran, Tunisia and Ghana were involved in this study. All of the participants were interviewed using semi structured interview protocol. The interviews took place at different times and settings. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The findings of this study showed that the participants define sense of belonging as being relationally valued and accepted, committed, comfortable, sociable and respected. The themes for international students’ experiences are classified to good experiences and challenges. The themes for good experiences are having good relationship with college community, knowledge imbibed with Islamic value experience, opportunity to study and working experience, dealing with calm Malaysians and having family members in Malaysia. While their challenges are language barriers, relationship and communication issue, racism and discrimination, college management system, pedagogical styles, financial struggle, food, family, being scammed by an agent, Malaysian government regulation and weather issue. In dealing with various challenges they adopted active coping strategies as well as avoidant coping strategies. Four themes were generated for research questions number four which are commitment, no effect, understanding and group work. Finally the participants voiced out suggestions to college management, international students, lecturers, local students, college community and Malaysians in general in order to help international students to enhance their sense of belonging.