Internationalisation at Utrecht University: The integration of students within their master’s programmes

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of internationalisation within universities in the Netherlands by analysing the factors which influence student’s integration on their master’s programmes at Utrecht University, and to offer relevant policy advice based on these findings. This has been done in light of reports that international students may experience lower levels of integration on their programmes than domestic students which could have a negative impact on their studies and life in a new country. This has been analysed in a quantitative study by means of a questionnaire sent to master’s students on programmes within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Utrecht University. The questionnaire finds no difference in the level of integration reported by domestic and international students and notes key predictors of academic and social integration, namely the student’s English ability, the percentage of international students on the course and the average contact students have with other students. The paper concludes by offering policy advice that can help to facilitate the integration of students onto their master’s programmes, such as by organising social events alongside the programme and ensuring that the quality of English spoken on courses is of a good standard.