The Reality of Social Support Programs for International Students at the Islamic University in Light of Selected Global Experiences 10.35781/1637-000-168-004

Abstract

Researcher/ Abdullah Fahd Salman Al-Awri Al-Juhani Abstract This study aimed to diagnose the reality of the social support programs provided to international students at the Islamic University of Madinah in light of selected global experiences from American and Malaysian Universityes. The descriptive survey method was employed, and the study sample consisted of (393) international students at the Islamic University of Madinah, selected through random sampling. A questionnaire was administered to the participants.The results of the study indicated that the reality of the social support programs provided to international students at the Islamic University was rated as “high,” with an overall mean score of (3.52). The dimension of cultural support and community integration ranked first with a “very high” degree, followed by housing and living support, then digital and technical support. In contrast, the dimensions of psychological and emotional support, financial and economic support, and support for students with special needs received “moderate” ratings. The study also revealed the existence of advanced global experiences in several American and Malaysian Universityes, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, University of Malaya (UM), and University Putra Malaysia (UPM). These Universityes were distinguished by providing integrated support systems for international students covering academic, psychological, cultural, financial, housing, and digital aspects, in addition to specialized services for counseling, adaptation, and cultural integration. Keywords: Social Support Programs – International Students – Islamic University – Global Experiences.