Language Proficiency Requirements and International Enrolment: A Systematized Review

The internationalization of the Canadian higher education system is becoming increasingly delicate, yet complex. This major research paper aims to develop an understanding of the impact that language proficiency requirements have on international students’ ability to study abroad at post-secondary institutions. This paper employs a theoretical framework of neoliberal education and culturally relevant pedagogy to analyze enrolment management practices and opportunities through a student-centred lens. A systematized review of the literature concerning English language proficiency (ELP) of international students in higher education was conducted. Results were synthesized into two key themes: language proficiency and university admissions and the student experience. The former theme addresses the research question directly, determining that all aspects of ELP and the admissions process highlighted ineffective practices likely to cause difficulties for international students. The latter theme answers the research question indirectly, resulting in a call for increased support both academically and socially. A holistic approach to the development of international students’ ELP that spans both institutional organization and the student journey would best limit adverse impacts on the student experience. Positive retention rates and student experience both serve as recruitment tools for future students. Therefore, the literature’s call for a holistic approach to international studentlanguage development offers reciprocal benefits for students and institutions alike.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Education

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Windsor

Author dc:creator

• Wonnacott, Kennedy M

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Smith, Clayton

Contributors dc:contributor

• wonnaco1@uwindsor.ca

Statement dc:rights

• CC BY-NC-SA Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_CA

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14776/9848

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwindsor.scholaris.ca:20.500.14776/9848