International Students' Satisfaction with Online Learning during the COVID-19 at a South Korean University

Abstract

Previous research has emphasised the importance of online learning during COVID-19 for local students. However, previous research has not fully explored how international students in higher education perceive online learning. To fill the gap in the literature, this research specifically focuses on international students' satisfaction level with online learning during COVID-19 at a South Korean university. In the present study, international student satisfaction with online learning was assessed utilising a research instrument previously employed by Almusharraf and Khahro (2020). A total of 44 undergraduate and 215 graduate students participated in the survey via convenience sampling, and structural equation modeling was used to analyse the data. The study results indicated that gender played a significant role in satisfaction with online learning, that previous online learning experience did not predict satisfaction, that undergraduate and graduate students were satisfied with online learning, but that only graduate students perceived school support as important. In addition, the results showed that international students were satisfied with their online learning regarding instructors' online teaching methods and school support. Finally, the implications of providing effective online education for international students are discussed.