Higher Education Internationalisation: Evidence from a Ghanaian Public University

Abstract

This study was aimed at examining the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with higher education internationalisation (HEI) in a Ghanaian public university. To achieve these objectives, the study drew data from international students through 17 in-depth interviews, corroborated by evidence from the case university’s archival reports. The triangulation of the interviews with archival data enhanced the credibility and robustness of the results. We found that study abroad programs provided respondents the advantage of learning a second international language and enhanced their career advancement in the global job market. However, the language barrier was a major challenge for some international students, hindering their integration into the local learning community. While some research participants highly valued the unique perspective of social integration and intercultural exposure, others struggled to adjust to the new culture. The study highlights high-cost-of-living as a major challenge for international students, impacting their academic performance and overall experience. The university’s flexible tuition fee payment plan was recognised as a positive initiative to alleviate the financial burdens of international students. Our findings contribute to the literature of HEI in emerging economies and provide valuable insights for universities seeking to enhance the experiences of international students. In conclusion, universities hosting international students should provide language support, financial assistance, and social integration programs to increase students’ learning experience.