The content provided presents a snapshot of sentiment and experiences of an international student studying for an MSc in a STEM subject at a non-Russell Group university in the UK. Below is the analysis of the comments and sentiments expressed in the text:
Extracted User Comments and Sentiments:
- Academic Quality and Course Structure:
– Negative Sentiment:
– The user expresses disappointment and surprise at the academic quality, describing themselves as “shocked by the state of it.”
– They note that many peers seem lost despite having step-by-step instructions, indicating potential inadequacies in teaching delivery or student preparedness.
– The user suggests the course feels less challenging than anticipated, likening it to “first year,” which may imply a perceived lack of academic rigor.
- Student Life and Peer Interaction:
– Negative Sentiment:
– Challenges in peer collaboration are evident, with repeated requests for help from peers, indicating either a lack of teamwork skills or academic preparedness among other students.
– Frustration is evident when some peers cannot perform basic tasks or follow instructions, and there is a lack of social courtesy (“without so much as a please or thank you”).
- Language and Communication Issues:
– Negative Sentiment:
– Concerns are raised about the English proficiency of some international students, “cannot even communicate in English on a very basic level,” which could hinder academic performance and integration.
- Financial Concerns:
– Negative Sentiment:
– The user highlights the high tuition fees for international students (£23k), raising concerns about the value for money given the struggles observed (“…a course that they are paying over 23k for”).
- Overall Satisfaction:
– Negative Sentiment:
– The overall tone and direct questioning at the end (“Just wondering is this normal or is this course just a cash grab?”) reflect dissatisfaction and suspicion that the course might be prioritizing financial gain over educational quality.
Common Themes and Insights:
- Academic Preparedness and Support: There is a recurring theme of students being unprepared or struggling with course demands. This points to potential issues in either the admission process, where students may not meet necessary prerequisites, or in the support structures for newly admitted students, particularly international ones.
- Language Proficiency Challenges: Language barriers are a significant concern, suggesting a potential gap in support for language development or misalignment in entry language requirements.
- Perceived Value of Education: The mention of high tuition fees juxtaposed with inadequate academic challenges raises concerns about the perceived return on investment for international students, which could impact satisfaction levels and choices to study in the UK.
Significant Trends and Recurring Issues:
- The primary concerns expressed relate to the adequacy and rigor of the academic experience, language barriers, and the integration of international students into the academic and social environment.
- The sentiment is predominantly negative, with the questioning of course value, suggesting a trend that may need addressing by universities, particularly among non-Russell Group institutions, to improve the international student experience and satisfaction.
Overall, these insights highlight areas where institutions could improve support for international students in terms of language proficiency, academic preparedness, and ensuring academic rigor aligns with tuition costs