Exploratory Analysis of Challenges for international Students Studying in Muslim-Majority Countries

Abstract

The globalization of education increases opportunities for international students to study in countries with different cultural and religious backgrounds. However, international students studying in Muslim-majority countries often face challenges that are not easy but also unique. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced by international students while studying in Muslim-majority countries. This research uses qualitative methods with the type of multi-case study, data sources are taken from twelve international students from four countries through in-depth individual and group interviews. All data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive analysis technique using NVivo 12 software. The research findings show five challenges of international students studying in Muslim-majority countries, the five challenges are i) slow adaptation to the culture of the local community, ii) low understanding of Islamic practices, iii) low English language skills of the community, iv) difficulty adjusting to norms or traditions, v) gender segregation in the education system in some Muslim countries. These findings recommend that international students should read, study and understand well the cultural, religious, linguistic and social aspects of a community before deciding and continuing to study in a country, especially a country with a majority population.