The Main Problem Areas of International University Students: A Qualitative Analysis on Azerbaijan Students

The international student mobility, aiming to create and sustain international integration has been an essential part of the education market in the 21st century. However, while such international student exchange programs contribute to the students and the cities hosting them, they bring along some problems. The aim of this study is to identify the main problem areas that international university students are likely to encounter. By applying the qualitative research method, the phenomenological research design was used in the study since it aims to reveal the problems of students based on their individual experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with the Azerbaijani students studying at Akdeniz University selected as the research sample, which were then descriptively analyzed. The main problems were identified as “economic problems, inability to understand the local language, problems with accommodation, feeling cheated and intimidated, being inexperienced, lack of knowledge about the formal procedures, cultural diversity, lack of support, and exclusion”. The problems regarding finance and accommodation emerged as the most frequently mentioned problems. The main strategies to overcome these problems are also discussed.

Investigation of Intercultural Sensitivity and Ethnocentrism Levels of Midwife Candidates in Turkey Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: As women experience cultural practices during their lifespan, midwives’ displaying a culture-specific approach from the school years is of great importance for the quality of care. This study was conducted to determine the intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism levels of midwife candidates in Turkey. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,616 midwifery students who studied in seven different regions of Turkey in the 2018–2019 academic year. Data were collected through a questionnaire, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, and Ethnocentrism Scale. Results: It was determined that the variables such as the region where the midwife candidates grew up and location of the university, their years at school, and having friends from different cultures were effective on their intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism levels ( p < .05). Discussion: Consequently, it is concluded that international student exchange programs and culture-sensitive-based care approaches during midwifery education will increase the intercultural sensitivity levels of students and contribute to reducing ethnocentrism levels.

Friends Matter: The Relationship Between Korean International Students’ Friendship Networks and Study Abroad Outcomes

This study examined the determinants of international students’ interactions with different friendship networks and the relationships of these interactions with study abroad outcomes, using data from 482 Korean college students who had participated in international student exchange programs. The results showed that students’ participation in extracurricular and off-campus activities while studying abroad was significantly related to their interactions with local and other international students. The results also showed that students’ interactions with co-national, local, and other international students while studying abroad were positively associated with their intercultural competence, personal development, and career development, even after controlling for other variables. We discuss the policy implications of these findings beyond the Korean context.

Models of sports student exchange and the role of their support systems

Establishing student exchange programs is one way for sports science faculty to support the University to be a world-class university. For several years the faculty has been hosting several batches of a sports students exchange (SSE) program that gains interest and benefits for the students and the institution; however, limited studies have been conducted to present information about the program and its support system. This research is conducted to explain and give an overview of the program as well as explore the support system of the program. Three primary data, namely a depth-interview, questionnaire, and documentation, are gathered to explore the SSE program. The participants are lectures, faculty management, and students involved in the SSE in 2018-2019. The existence of the SSE program was exceedingly influenced by the faculty participation in AUCPESS. A grant from the Dharmasiswa Scholarship that aimed to bolster the exchange of culture and build up the Faculty's International atmosphere was the first booster. However, after the funding stopped, the program ran independently with non-financial support from Rector, faculty management, partner universities, and students. Hence, funding is not a pivotal issue as long as the University and faculty management eager to support the program.

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF FUNCTIONING AND DEVELOPMENT OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN RUSSIA

The article investigates the economic aspects of the functioning and development of engineering education in Russia. The relevance of this issue is determined by the active innovative development of our society, in accordance with global trends, as well as the requirements for graduates of engineering specialties. Innovative development is impossible without modernization of engineering education as one of the main components of innovation processes. All this has a significant impact on the economic development of the country and its position on the world market. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to study functioning conditions of engineering education in Russia. The analysis has shown the relevance of a comprehensive study of the engineering education development, which is confirmed by the geography of scientific publications. In the course of the study, the authors identified the following development areas of engineering education in Russia: using the knowledge and experience of the old school personnel to update educational programs, expanding the area of interests of engineering education in the country, focusing on retaining scientific and practical personnel in the country and, as a result, forming a personnel reserve, expanding student exchange programs and using existing laboratories and centers to exchange experience and use it in practical tasks to improve the quality of the educational process.

THE ALIGNMENT AND MISALIGNMENT OF THE ISLAMIC ECONOMICS CURRICULUM WITH THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT POLICY

The purpose of this paper is to explore the equivalency of curriculum content of universities. It examines how this equivalency can benefit the universities that offer Islamic economics programs in implementing the new policy of the Indonesian Education and Culture Minister, especially for point No. 4, known as "Merdeka Belajar: Kampus Merdeka" (Independent learning policy or Liberating policy). This study also evaluates whether or not the guidelines on implementing Islamic economic community involvement projects developed by the National Committee of Islamic Economic and Finance (Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah - KNEKS) and other stakeholders can support the new policy, especially for point No. 4. This study uses content analysis from the curriculum of the ten selected universities in Indonesia that participated in developing the framework on minimum standardization across Islamic economics undergraduate programs led by KNEKS. The results of the study reveal that the ten universities are ready to implement the new policy of the Indonesian Education and Culture Minister, especially for point No. 4 known as "Merdeka Belajar: Kampus Merdeka" (Independent learning policy or Liberating policy) since a significant number of course equivalents were found across the ten universities. In addition, the guidelines on the implementation of Islamic economic community involvement projects developed by KNEKS are aligned with the new policy's guidelines on community involvement projects. The paper is expected to benefit several stakeholders, such as universities that offer Islamic economics programs, by providing them with guidelines on implementing the new policy. The student can use this study as a reference for them in conducting community involvement projects, internships, and student exchange programs. ========================================================================================================ABSTRAK – Keselarasan dan Ketidakselarasan Kurikulum Ekonomi Islam dengan Kebijakan Pemerintah di Indonesia. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengeksplorasi ekuivalensi dari isi kurikulum universitas dan melihat bagaimana ekuivalensi ini dapat memberikan bermanfaat bagi universitas yang menawarkan program ekonomi Islam dalam menerapkan kebijakan baru Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Indonesia khususnya untuk poin No. 4 yang dikenal sebagai "Merdeka" Belajar: Kampus Merdeka” (Kebijakan belajar mandiri atau Kebijakan Pembebasan). Studi ini juga mengevaluasi apakah Panduan Pelaksanaan Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) Tematik Ekonomi Syariah yang dikembangkan oleh Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah (KNEKS) dan pemangku kepentingan lainnya dapat mendukung kebijakan baru terutama untuk poin No. 4 atau tidak. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis isi dari kurikulum sepuluh universitas terpilih di Indonesia yang ikut berpartisipasi dalam mengembangkan Kerangka Acuan Akademik Program Studi S1 Ekonomi Syariah yang dipimpin oleh KNEKS. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa 10 universitas siap untuk menerapkan kebijakan baru Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Indonesia khususnya untuk poin No. 4 yang dikenal sebagai "Merdeka Belajar: Kampus Merdeka" (kebijakan belajar mandiri atau kebijakan Pembebasan) karena ditemukan banyak mata kuliah yang memiliki ekuivalensi diantara 10 universitas. Selain itu, Panduan Pelaksanaan KKN Tematik Ekonomi Syariah yang dikembangkan oleh KNEKS ditemukan selaras dengan panduan kebijakan baru terkait program membangun desa/Kuliah Kerja Nyata Tematik. Artikel ini diharapkan bermanfaat bagi beberapa pemangku kepentingan seperti universitas yang menawarkan program ekonomi syariah dengan memberi mereka pedoman tentang bagaimana menerapkan kebijakan baru. Mahasiswa dapat menggunakan studi ini sebagai referensi bagi mereka dalam melakukan proyek pembangunan desa, magang, dan program pertukaran pelajar.

From frustration to enlightenment: experiences of student exchange program awardees in Taiwan

Background: Studying abroad is one of the most exciting experiences for a college student who is running a student exchange program, as it creates opportunities to learn, work, solve problems, and ensure a secured life. However, Indonesians who are into student exchange programs face some difficulties in adjusting to their new environment. They experience awkwardness in the use of advanced equipment from technology and cultural aspects. This study investigates the experiences of two Indonesian students who participated for a semester at a Taiwanese university. It aims to explore the Indonesian student exchange program awardees’ experiences by examining both the obstacles and benefits of attending the Taiwanese university. Methods: This study used qualitative data analysis. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview, informal participant observations, and a set of open and closed-ended questions. Two Indonesian undergraduate students who belonged to the same major, year, and university were recruited to act as ambassadors. Results: The two students reported facing some problems but felt more independent and became more adaptable. They met with new people and explored new places, and learned much in terms of teaching pedagogy and personal development from the 21st-century classroom pedagogy, which was important for their future carrier in education. Aside from being able to feel the 21st-century classroom environment, they were able to learn the host language and culture, which enriched their insights. Five main findings emerged: departure and journey, difficulties in settling in, inability to use technology facilities, meeting new people and exploring new places, and 21st century classroom environment. Conclusions: Despite the challenges that are associated with being a student exchange awardee, there are vast opportunities for self-development and learning the ropes associated with teaching from the 21st-century classroom pedagogy.

Perbandingan Perolehan Bahasa Inggris di Indonesia, Thailand dan Philipina

International cooperation between universities is one of the strategic issues for the internationalization of a university in Indonesia. One form of cooperation is not only manifested in the tri dharma aspect of higher education. The focus of this research is the comparison of students' mastery of English in the three countries. This English language ability aims to determine the ability of students who take part in student exchange programs or internship exchange programs conducted by three universities. This descriptive qualitative research involved students from universities in Indonesia, universities in Thailand, and the Philippines. Data taken from interviews with several English learners were then transcribed, coded, and analyzed to determine the stage of mastery of English according to Processability Theory. The results of this study indicate that although there are differences in the use of English in the three countries, participants from the three countries have the same attainment of mastery of English. Participants in the Philippines were more active in using English, considering that English in this country is a second language. Unlike Thailand and Indonesia, which place English as a foreign language. However, the highest mastery of English achieved by participants in the three countries was the same, namely at Stage 3 in Processability Theory.

PENGELOLAAN DIRI SEBAGAI UPAYA MEMBANGUN KERJA SAMA DALAM PERTUKARAN PELAJAR DI PERGURUAN TINGGI

Masa pandemi saat ini mendorong seluruh bidang dan kegiatan di dalamnya dilakukan secara daring ataupun virtual, termasuk pada pelaksanaan program pertukaran pelajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pentingnya Pengelolaan diri untuk membangun kerja sama pada program pertukaran pelajar di perguruan tinggi secara virtual. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu teknik observasi partisipasi dan wawancara terstruktur. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini adalah 20 mahasiswa PGSD semester 5 pada dua perguruan tinggi negeri di Jawa, yang mengikuti kegiatan pertukaran pelajar antar program studi di perguruan tinggi yang berbeda. Pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara, dengan pedoman yang didasarkan pada parameter mengenai pengelolaan diri dan kerja sama. Analisis terhadap hasil wawancara diperkuat dengan pengamatan karena peneliti terlibat langsung dalam keseharian orang yang sedang menjadi objek penelitian. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah model Miles dan Huberman yang terdiri atas aktivitas data reduction, data display, dan drawing/verification. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tiap partisipan sudah memiliki Pengelolaan diri yang baik, ditunjukkan dengan cara mengatasi berbagai masalah kerja sama tim secara virtual dengan pengelolaan diri, cara membagi waktu, prioritas dan komunikasi yang baik, sehingga tercipta kerja sama tim yang baik. Pengelolaan diri yang baik akan menciptakan kerja sama tim yang baik pula, begitupun sebaliknya. The current pandemic has prompted all fields and activities to be carried out online or virtually, including the implementation of student exchange programs. The research aims to determine the importance of self-management in building solid teamwork between students in exchange programs virtually. Data collected through structured interviews and participatory observation. Participants are 20 students of the 5th semester in Primary teacher education (PGSD) from two universities in Java that follow Student Exchange Programs in Kampus Merdeka-Merdeka Belajar. Interview data were collected and classified according to interview guidelines based on self-management and solid teamwork indicators. The interview results were confirmed with direct observation by the researcher involved in the daily activities of research participants. The data analysis uses the Miles and Huberman model that consists of data reduction, data display, and drawing/verification activities. The results revealed that each participant experienced difficulties building virtual teamwork in terms of internet networks, individual interests, et cetera. Participants also carry out self-management to work together in teams by setting time, priorities, and other related to their performance to complete group tasks.

Quest for Ranking Excellence Impact Study of Research Metrics

It is a general trend that higher education institutions must undergo one or more ranking agencies evaluation to get reputed in the field of education. Institutions must have a place in the ranking to attract students, faculty and even for successful foreign student exchange programs. Prominence in research is an important parameter to scale the eminence of an institution. A quantum of quality publications is one of the factors judging the prevailing research environment of an institution. While doing an institutional level evaluation on research output, we always go for quantitative measures like total publication, citation and h-index. In the present scenario, the institution must set to have a strategy in achieving ambitious scientific goals. This paper presents some innovative analysis of research data by choosing valuable metrics. The samples selected for the study are the top-ranked institutions in India. The same approach can be applied to any institutions in the world for evaluation and excellence. We have done qualitative-quantitative analysis using different parameters of research output to explain the importance of various metrics. The present study has identified metrics which can be considered seriously to achieve better performance in research output. It is a fused index metrics which explains along with Scholarly Output, the importance of Cited and Uncited Publications and different types of Collaborations and its impact on the overall performance of an institution.