Factors Predicting Advising Satisfaction and Persistence Among International Undergraduates

• In Event: Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: International Undergraduate Students in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the relationship of institutional and cultural factors to satisfaction with academic advising and retention among international undergraduate students in the United States. Participants included 301 undergraduate international students who completed an online survey that examined the advising relationship, advisor-advisee activities, acculturation, advising satisfaction, sense of belonging, and intent to persist. Findings indicated that the advising relationship and acculturation were significant predictors of international students’ satisfaction with academic advising. Additionally, advisor-advisee activities, advising satisfaction, and sense of belonging were important variables in predicting intent to persist to graduation. The results of this study provide direction for administrators and researchers in their efforts to better understand factors leading to international student success.

Authors

• Lisa Mataczynski, University of Southern California

• Ruth Gim Chung, University of Southern California