The perceived educational dilemma of international students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

• Main Author: Ahmad H.Osman, Rahmah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: H71 General works; L Education (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/95560/2/International%20Islamic%20University%20Malaysia%20Mail%20-%20Abstract%20Acceptance%20Email%20ISRUPIC%202021.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95560/3/PerceiveddelimmaRAO.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95560/18/ABSTRACT-%20The%20perceived%20educational%20dilemma%20of%20international%20students%20during%20the%20COVID.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95560/

The COVID-19 Pandemic has greatly disrupted the predominant traditional education system, transforming learning to a digital method due to movement restriction. The purpose of this paper is to explore the dilemma posed by the pandemic as well as the avenues for facilitating the tapping of new potential in the context of international students in Malaysia. This study adopted a qualitative research method to generate the thoughts about the phenomenon. The primary data are collected from some of the international students in Malaysia through semi structured interviews and the responses are analysed using content analysis. The findings reveal that the interviewees perceived many dilemmas concerning their education due to the pandemic outbreak and the non-comfort zone, novel digital learning transformation. The digital learning transformation has however broadened their horizons and enlightened them to be exposed to the necessary digital and technological skills which is an innate necessity moving forward. The results have significant implications on and contribution to the policy making measures that are necessary for facilitating the sustainable educational development.