A study on the international students’ perception and norms in Taiwan

Trends in Taiwan higher education reflect traditional East Asian patterns, which show a substantial numbers of university students from Taiwan studying in the United States and Britain. In a recent worldwide student mobility report, findings suggest that an increased flow of international students coming from the United States and European countries to the Asia Pacific Rim is at an all time high. However, if the number of inbound international students’ is subtracted with the number of outgoing Asian students, results are still not that promising. Hence, in order to increase the influx of international students in Taiwan, a deeper understanding of their perceptions and norms should be undertaken. This article details a quantitative study conducted during the 2009–2010 academic year in Taiwan. In scope it details an empirical study exploring the dispositions of international students in terms of their academic and social spheres. The use of quantitative method provided clarity and extended critical interpretations of the issues and dilemmas surrounding the international student experience in Taiwan.