Internationalization in Canadian Higher Education: Experiences of International Students in a Master’s Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the preferences and experiences of international students in a Canadian master’s degree program. We collected data from 38 students in the program through a survey questionnaire, which asked research participants these questions: Why did they leave their own countries for education? Why did they select Canada? Did they plan to stay in Canada after graduation? The questionnaire also asked participants to indicate whether they agreed with 26 positive statements about the program. In addition, participants were invited to make comments about the program. Participants thought Canada had quality education and a safe environment, and most participants believed that they had a positive experience of undertaking graduate studies in Canada. Over half of them indicated that they plan to stay in Canada upon graduation. Based on the findings, we made recommendations on how to improve the program.