Albeshir, D., Alghamdi, A., Alruwaitea, A., Almuqati, F., Almuteesh, E. (2025). A Literature Review of the International Student Experience in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 11(2), 119-149. doi: 10.21608/jrciet.2025.441133
Dr. Saud G Albeshir; Ahmed Saad Alghamdi; Abdulelah Abdullah Alruwaitea; Fahad Saad Almuqati; Ebraheem Nassser Almuteesh. "A Literature Review of the International Student Experience in Saudi Arabia". Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 11, 2, 2025, 119-149. doi: 10.21608/jrciet.2025.441133
Albeshir, D., Alghamdi, A., Alruwaitea, A., Almuqati, F., Almuteesh, E. (2025). 'A Literature Review of the International Student Experience in Saudi Arabia', Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 11(2), pp. 119-149. doi: 10.21608/jrciet.2025.441133
Albeshir, D., Alghamdi, A., Alruwaitea, A., Almuqati, F., Almuteesh, E. A Literature Review of the International Student Experience in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 2025; 11(2): 119-149. doi: 10.21608/jrciet.2025.441133
A Literature Review of the International Student Experience in Saudi Arabia
1Head of the Department of Educational Administration, College of Education, King Saud University, KSA
2Graduate Student, Department of Educational Administration, King Saud University
Abstract
Abstract:
This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges of international students studying at Saudi higher education institutions through a systematic literature review. The current paper identified 16 studies that met the selection criteria for published scientific literature established by this study. The study's most significant findings are that international students in Saudi Arabia report high levels of satisfaction with their lives and overall academic experiences. Most of these students receive scholarships funded by the Saudi government, which represents a powerful motivation for studying in the Kingdom. There is a high level of satisfaction with the educational services provided by higher education institutions. While international students generally face moderate psychological and social challenges, they express satisfaction with university services.For international students who are not Arab, language barriers present the primary challenge to their social integration and create significant academic obstacles.