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The Office of Institutional Research/AUC

International Students Survey Report

Prepared by

Ola Anwar The Office of Institutional Research/AUC

Spring

2012


Table of contents Page Executive Summary 3

Section I: Students’ Demographic information and Personal Growth:

Q.1. Type of study at AUC 4

Q.2: Age 4

Q.3: Gender 4

Q.4: Nationality 4

Q.5: What countries (other than Egypt) did you visit while you were studying at AUC? 4

Q.6: How many countries other than your home country and Egypt have you visited

during your life time? 4

Q.7: What were your housing arrangements while at AUC? 4

Q.8: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: 4

Q.9: To what extent do you agree with these statements? 4

Q.10: Overall, how satisfied are you with the opportunities you had

to experience Egyptian culture and society? 4

Q.11: Do you have any advice to give to future students from your country/region? 14

Section II: Your choice of AUC:

Q.12: How did you hear about AUC? 15

Q.13: Why did you want to study at AUC? 15

Q.14: When making your decision to study in the Middle East,

Which of the following universities did you consider? 15

Q.15: What were your concerns prior to arriving at AUC? 16

Q.16: What additional information would have been useful?

to have before you arrived in Cairo? 22

Section III: Your Introduction to AUC:

Q.17: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following

statements related to your transition to the university. 24

Q.18: If you are a study abroad student, please indicate your level of

agreement with the following statements related to your course

advising and registration 26

Q.19: If you applied through AUC’S New York office, please indicate

your level of agreement with the following statements. 27

Section IV: Academic Instruction:

Q.20: Please rate the overall quality of academic instruction at AUC (Page 6 in the Executive summary) 28

Q.21: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following

statements related to academic instruction at AUC: 29

Q.22: If you studied Arabic at AUC, please rate the following aspects

of language instruction. 31

Section V: AUC Services and Facilities:

Q.23: Please indicate your overall level of satisfaction with the following Services. 32

Section VI: Activities:

Q.24: Did you participate in any of the following extracurricular activities? 33

Q.25: Did you encounter any difficulty in joining student activities or groups? 35

Appendix B:

Cross Tabulation Questions


Executive Summary

Introduction: The purpose of the International Students Survey (ISS) is to assess opinions of international students about their

experiences at AUC during Spring 2012. The Office of Institutional Research emailed 750 survey invitations to

international students on May 6, 2012, followed by two e-mail reminders. From the total number of International

Students (750), one hundred and twenty three (123) responded to the survey (97 completed and 26 partial) for a

response rate of 16.4% and a completion rate of 78.9%.

Methodology and Organization of the Report:

It should be noted, as a technical comment, that we removed missing responses from the analysis section and

analyzed the entire survey without missing data. We trust removing missing data will paint a clear picture of ISS

students’ opinions.

This report consists of two parts. The first part is the main body of the report and divided into six sections. The

second part is Appendix B which presents the cross tabulation tables to the variable ‘Program of study’ with some

selected academic questions in addition to questions regarding services for international students.

In the first section, student demographics and profiles are presented. Additionally, we present the international

students’ level of agreement with statements related to personal growth. Survey responses values are collapsed

into the three categories of “Combined Agree” (Strongly Agree and Agree); “Combined Disagree” (Strongly

Disagree and Disagree); and “Neutral”.

In the second section, we presented students’ source of information about AUC in addition to students’ first

impressions and experiences of AUC. These data are presented as frequencies and charts.

In the third section, international students’ transition to AUC and their level of agreement with statements

associated to advising and registration are presented in frequencies. Furthermore, students’ levels of agreement to

several statements related to New York Office are given as frequencies.

In the fourth section, the overall quality of academic instruction is presented in frequency and charts. In addition,

we presented the Arabic Language Institute (ALI) students’ level of agreement with several aspects of language

instruction.

In the fifth section students’ satisfaction with facilities and services (student life) is presented across all student

types. The survey responses values are collapsed into the three categories of “Combined Satisfied” (Strongly

Satisfied and Satisfied); “Combined Dissatisfied” (Strongly Dissatisfied and Dissatisfied); and “Neutral”.

In the sixth section, students’ extracurricular activities are presented in frequency and charts.


Students reported their categories as follows, 6.2% “Arabic Language Intensive Program”; 12.4% “Degree

program: BS/BA”; 38.1% “Degree program: MS/MA”; 5.2% “Graduate diploma”; 20.6% “Study Abroad,

Spring 2012”; 10.3% “Study Abroad, full year ending Spring 2012” and 7.2% “Other”.

Students reported age from 17 years to 39 years with 4 exceptions in the 40-60 age range.

Students’ gender was 65.2% female and 34.8% male.

Students reported 24 nationalities. Table 4A in page 7 show students’ primary nationality. Student’s

secondary nationality is reported on Table 4B.

The question: “What countries (other than Egypt) did you visit while you were studying at AUC?” is

presented in Table 5 page 8.

When students were asked: “How many countries other than your home country and Egypt have you

visited during your life time?”, 3.2% of the students reported ‘zero’, 6.4% reported ‘one-two’, 24.5%

reported ‘three-five’ and 66% reported ‘More than 5’.

When we asked the students “What were your housing arrangements while at AUC?”: 12.4% of the

students reported ‘Students housing on campus’, 18.6% reported ‘Student housing in Zamalek’, 8.2%

reported ‘Family residence’, 59.8% reported ‘Rented apartment or house’ and 1% reported ‘Other’.

Student’s level of agreement with statements related to their personal growth is presented in Q.8 page 10

and in Q.9 page 12.

“Students’ level of satisfaction with the opportunities they had to experience Egyptian culture and

society” is as follows: 15.5% of the students reported ‘very satisfied’, 51.5% reported ‘satisfied’, 25.8%

reported ‘neutral’, 5.2% reported ‘dissatisfied’ and 2.1% reported ‘very dissatisfied’.

Section I Students’ Demographic information

and Students’ personal growth

Q.1 to Q. 11


Descriptive Analysis

for section I

Q.1: Type of Study at AUC Table 1

Type of study program at AUC Frequency Percent

Arabic Language Intensive Program 6 6.2%

Degree program: BS/BA 12 12.4%

Degree program: MS/MA 37 38.1%

Graduate Diploma 5 5.2%

Study Abroad, Spring 2012 20 20.6%

Study Abroad, full year ending Spring 2012 10 10.3%

Other 7 7.2%

Total 97 100%

Figure 1


Q.2: Age

Table 2

Age Frequency Percent

17 1 1.1%

19 2 2.1%

20 14 14.9%

21 13 13.8%

22 11 11.7%

23-25 19 20.2%

26-29 16 17.0%

30-39 14 14.9%

40-60 4 4.3%

Total 94 100%

Figure 2

3: Gender

Table 3

Gender Frequency Percent

Female 60 65.2%

Male 32 34.8%

Total 92 100%

Figure 3


Q.4: Nationalities: Table 4 A

Primary Nationality Frequency Percent

Algeria 1 1.1%

Australia 1 1.1%

Canada 4 4.4%

China 1 1.1%

Denmark 3 3.3%

France 1 1.1%

Germany 1 1.1%

Ghana 1 1.1%

India 1 1.1%

Iraq 1 1.1%

Italy 1 1.1%

Japan 1 1.1%

Jordan 2 2.2%

Kenya 1 1.1%

Netherlands 1 1.1%

Norway 2 2.2%

Saudi Arabia 2 2.2%

Spain 1 1.1%

Sudan 1 1.1%

Turkey 1 1.1%

United Arab Emirates 1 1.1%

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 4 4.4%

United States of America 56 61.5%

Yemen 2 2.2%

Total 91 100%

Table 4B

Secondary Nationality Frequency Percent

Algeria 1 7.7%

Egypt 3 23.1%

Finland 1 7.7%

Mexico 1 7.7%

Palestine 1 7.7%

Serbia 1 7.7%

Sweden 1 7.7%

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1 7.7%

United States of America 2 15.4%

Yemen 1 7.7%

Total 13 100%

The Office of Institutional Research /AUC

Q.5: What countries (other than Egypt) did you visit while you were studying at AUC? (Check all that apply).

Table 5

Countries Frequency Percentage

Bahrain 1 1.7%

Cyprus 2 3.3%

Iraq 1 1.7%

Israel 19 31.7%

Italy 8 13.3%

Jordan 20 33.3%

Kuwait 3 5.0%

Lebanon 12 20.0%

Morocco 5 8.3%

Palestinian territories 14 23.3%

Qatar 4 6.7%

Saudi Arabia 3 5.0%

Syria 3 5.0%

Tunisia 5 8.3%

Turkey 22 36.7%

United Arab Emirates 6 10.0%

Yemen 1 1.7%

Other 30 50.0%

Total 60

Countries

Q.6: How many countries other than your home country and Egypt have you visited during

your lifetime?

Table 6

Frequency Percent

0 3 3.2%

1-2 6 6.4%

3-5 23 24.5%

More than 5 62 66.0%

Total 94 100%


Q.7: What were your housing arrangements while at AUC?

Table 7

Frequency Percent

Student Housing on campus 12 12.4%

Student housing in Zamalek

18 18.6%

Family residence 8 8.2%

Rented apartment or house 58 59.8%

Other 1 1.0%

Total 97 100%

Figure 7


Q.8: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements:

Table 8

Combined

Agree Combined Disagree

Neutral Total

AUC students are hard to get to know. Count 46 23 28 97

% 47.4% 23.7% 28.9% 100%

It is easier to get to know other international students.

Count 72 9 16 97

% 74.2% 9.3% 16.5% 100%

I prefer to socialize with people of my own culture.

Count 11 60 25 96

% 11.5% 62.5% 26.0% 100%

AUC students are friendly when you get to know them.

Count 61 5 29 95

% 64.2% 5.3% 30.5% 100%

I would have liked more chances to experience Egyptian culture and family life.

Count 70 7 20 97

% 72.2% 7.2% 20.6% 100%

I would have liked to make more friends from AUC.

Count 55 14 28 97

% 56.7% 14.4% 28.9% 100%

It is difficult to meet Egyptians from outside the university.

Count 55 27 15 97

% 56.7% 27.8% 15.5% 100%

I had difficulty in finding transportation to and from central Cairo and other local places.

Count 27 51 18 96

% 28.1% 53.1% 18.8% 100%

I had difficulty adapting to Egypt. Count 14 58 25 97

% 14.4% 59.8% 25.8% 100%

Cultural differences are respected at the university.

Count 59 12 25 96

% 61.5% 12.5% 26.0% 100%

Religious differences are respected at the university.

Count 62 10 25 97

% 63.9% 10.3% 25.8% 100%

I've made some good contacts for the future. Count 63 12 22 97

% 64.9% 12.4% 22.7% 100%

I intend to correspond (email, Facebook, etc.) with the people I've met at AUC when I go back to my home country.

Count 78 5 14 97

% 80.4% 5.2% 14.4% 100%


Figure 8


Q.9: To what extent do you agree with these statements?

Table 9

Combined


Neutral Total

I've had serious conversations with students who were different from me in terms of their religious beliefs, political opinions, or personal values.

Count 77 7 12 96

% 80.2% 7.3% 12.5% 100%

My experience has helped me become more flexible and adaptable in new environments.

Count 80 3 13 96

% 83.3% 3.1% 13.5% 100%

My experience has helped increase my understanding of myself.

Count 87 1 8 96

% 90.6% 1.0% 8.3% 100%

My experience has helped me grow more self-confident.

Count 76 5 15 96

% 79.2% 5.2% 15.6% 100%

My experience has helped increase my understanding of my own country and my own culture.

Count 81 3 12 96

% 84.4% 3.1% 12.5% 100%

My experience has increased my awareness of regional and global issues.

Count 85 1 10 96

% 88.5% 1.0% 10.4% 100%

My experience has helped me understand and appreciate differences in values, cultures, and belief systems.

Count 82 4 10 96

% 85.4% 4.2% 10.4% 100%

I've met my personal goals for my study experience at AUC.

Count 63 8 25 96

% 65.6% 8.3% 26.0% 100%

Figure 9


Q.10: Overall, how satisfied are you with the opportunities you had to experience Egyptian culture and society?

Table 10

Frequency Percent

Very Satisfied 15 15.5%

Satisfied 50 51.5%

Neutral 25 25.8%

Dissatisfied 5 5.2%

Very Dissatisfied 2 2.1%

Total 97 100%

Figure 10


Q.11: Do you have any advice to give to future students from your country/region?

1. Meet as many Egyptians from as many walks of life as you can. Live in places like Shubra and Sayeda Zeinab and make friends with the locals. Whatever you do, go out and meet people or you will not know anything about the culture and you might have a bad time.

2. The crowd at AUC is not ideal. Very pretentious, very loose. They don't respect others who are less-reserved. They instead treat you as if you're automatically "religious" and therefore "close-minded." There's a certain pressure to do what they do to acquaint with people (i.e. clubbing, getting wasted, smoking copious amounts of hash, etc...) This is not exactly my scene. It's a bit premature, elitist, and quite frankly, STUPID. For instance, students organize a "prom" each year and oddly enough, they BAN women who wear the hijab from entering. Mind you, we're in a country where at least 90% of the population is Muslim. This is ridiculous. AUC must be aware of this, but they turn the other cheek. This is flat out discrimination. AUC should be ashamed of the crowd they're fostering.

3. Don't expect too much. 4. Find people outside of AUC. Find other Egyptians. Hang out with them. 5. Try to reach out to Egyptian students. 6. "LEARN EGYPTIAN AMI'A - Don't put too much into your schedule so you can enjoy Egypt." 7. I would not suggest coming here unless someone else-i.e. a scholarship, for example- is paying for it. For

exchange students (i.e. not ALI students), it makes more sense. I'd also advise them to get on Cairo Scholars very early and look for Egyptians to live with.

8. Choose AUC and get involved in as many groups and activities as you can. It will only make you a broader human being. I'm sad I have to leave.

9. Expect people (i.e. - Egyptian students) to generalize/judge you, especially if you are blonde girl or a political science student.

10. Focus on the cultural experience rather than the studies. There is more to learn outside of the classroom than inside of the classroom.

11. Come in with an open mind and don’t be afraid of the AUC students they are always willing to help and listen even if they don’t look like they are.

12. I would not recommend AUC to anyone intending to come as a 'research fellow' however the money I paid allowed me to use their name to begin conducting my research

13. Understand and accept the notion of "Egyptian time", their bureaucracy. 14. "-SEXUAL HARASSMENT! It happens a lot & it builds up quickly. Force yourself to use your new Arabic;

you'll make quicker friends on campus the more you try to speak Arabic. -Bring nice clothes for school, but cover up everywhere else."

15. Do not stay in New Cairo, I have friends who are out here and it is very hard for them to get into the city and back out.

16. Do your best to get to know Egyptian people and students, and immerse yourself in the culture and region 17. AUCians are really unfriendly. 18. Just be flexible and realize you are a guest in another country. Be a good guest. And realize that in a huge

city like this there are always bad apples, but don't that let spoil the experience. 19. Go with the flow bro. 20. Don't live on campus. Try to get experiences outside of AUC. 21. Never study at AUC, it is a waste of time and money where critical thinking, logical reasoning and the

argumentative process is not encouraged or developed. While there are a few very good teachers they are few and far between. Primarily teachers and everyone working at the university is only interested in making money, doing as little as possible for as much as they can scam students and the US government for.

22. Patience is very important in Egypt; if you have that, it is much easier to get along here.


In this section we present students’ source of information about AUC in addition to students’ first impressions

and experiences of AUC. The value of responses was Yes/No.

When we asked students: ”How did you hear about AUC?”:

From “Academic advisor at home university”: 24.2% of the students reported “Yes” and 75.8%

reported “No”.

From “Article in the media (print, broadcast or online)”: 24.7% of the students reported “Yes” and

75.3% reported “No”.

From “AUC recruiter”: 59.5% of the students reported “Yes” and 40.5% reported “No”.

From “AUC website”: 21.1% of the students reported “Yes” and 78.9% reported “No”.

From “Faculty instructor at home university”: 67.4% of the students reported “Yes” and 32.6%

reported “No”.

From “Family or friends”: 50% of the students reported “Yes” and 50% reported “No”.

From “Online resources”: 41% of the students reported “Yes” and 59% reported “No”.

From “Study abroad fairs”: 18.7% of the students reported “Yes” and 81.3% reported “No”.

From “Study abroad office at home university”: 8.3% of the students reported “Yes” and 91.7%

reported “No”.

When students were asked: “Why did you want to study at AUC?”:

“Interest in the region”: 91.3% of the students reported “Yes” and 8.7% reported “No’.

“Personal enrichment”: 89.8% of the students reported “Yes” and 10.2% reported “No”.

“Studying a particular academic subject”: 72.2% of the students reported “Yes” and 27.8% reported

“No”.

“Studying Arabic”: 65.1% of the students reported “Yes” and 34.9% reported “No”.

“Values for future employment”: 61.9% of the students reported “yes” and 38.1% reported “No”.

“Other”: 48.5% of the students reported “Yes” and 51.5% reported “No”.

For the question: “When making your decision to study in the middle East, which of the following

universities did you consider?”:

“AUC only”: 78.1% of the students reported “Yes” and 21.9% reported “No”.

“Alexandria University”: 3.9% of the students reported “Yes” and 96.1% reported “No”.

“Cairo University”: 17.9% of the students reported “Yes” and 82.1% reported “No”.

“The American University in Beirut”: 60.3% of the students reported “Yes and 39.7% reported “No”.

“The American University in Dubai”: 16.4% of the students reported “Yes” and 83.6% reported “No”.

“The America University in Kuwait”: 49% reported “No”.

“The American University in Sharjah”: 11.5% of the students reported “Yes” and 88.5% reported

“No”.

“The Lebanese American University”: 24.5% of the students reported “Yes” and 75.5% reported

“No”.

“Universities in Jordan”: 23.6% of the students reported “Yes” and 76.4% reported “No”.

“Universities in Morocco”: 15.1% of the students reported “Yes” and 84.9% reported “No”.

Section II Your choice at AUC

Q.12 to Q.16


“Universities in Qatar”: 9.3% of the students reported “Yes” and 90.7% reported “No”.

“Other”: 18.5% reported “Yes” and 81.5% reported “No”.

In this section we present students’ first impressions prior to arriving at AUC.

When students were asked: “What were your concerns prior to arriving at AUC?”:

For “Availability of courses”: 54.4% of the students reported “Yes” and 45.6% reported “No”.

For “Culture Shock”: 44% of the students reported “Yes” and 56% reported “No”.

For “Finances”: 71.3% of the students reported “Yes” and 28.7% reported “No”.

For “Harassment”: 56.8% of the students reported “Yes” and 43.2% reported “No”.

For “Housing”: 55.6% of the students reported “Yes” and 44.4% reported “No”.

For “Language”: 62.8% of the students reported “Yes” and 37.2% reported “No”.

For “Personal safety”: 53.6% reported “Yes” and 46.4% reported “No”.

For “Transfer credit approval”: 31.2% of the students reported “Yes” and 68.8% reported “No”.

For “Other”: 14% of the students reported “Yes” and 86% reported “No”.

In question 16, students were asked as an open response question, “What additional information would

have been useful to have before you arrived in Cairo?”. Student responses are presented verbatim.


Descriptive Analysis

for section II Table 12

How did you hear about AUC? Yes No Total

Academic advisor at home university Count 15 47 62

% 24.2% 75.8% 100%

Articles in the media (print, broadcast or online)

Count 19 58 77

% 24.7% 75.3% 100%

AUC recruiter Count 50 34 84

% 59.5% 40.5% 100%

AUC website Count 16 60 76

% 21.1% 78.9% 100%

Faculty instructor at home university Count 62 30 92

% 67.4% 32.6% 100%

Family or friends Count 40 40 80

% 50.0% 50.0% 100%

Online resources Count 34 49 83

% 41.0% 59.0% 100%

Study abroad fairs Count 14 61 75

% 18.7% 81.3% 100%

Study abroad office at home university Count 6 66 72

% 8.3% 91.7% 100%

Figure 12


Table 13

Why did you want to study at AUC?

Yes No Total

Interest in the region Count 94 9 103

% 91.3% 8.7% 100%

Personal enrichment Count 79 9 88

% 89.8% 10.2% 100%

Studying a particular academic subject

Count 65 25 90

% 72.2% 27.8% 100%

Studying Arabic Count 54 29 83

% 65.1% 34.9% 100%

Value for future employment Count 52 32 84

% 61.9% 38.1% 100%

Other Count 33 35 68

% 48.5% 51.5% 100%

Figure 13


Table 14

Middle East Universities Yes No Total

AUC only Count 75 21 96

% 78.1% 21.9% 100%

Alexandria University Count 2 49 51

% 3.9% 96.1% 100%

Cairo University Count 10 46 56

% 17.9% 82.1% 100%

The American University in Beirut

Count 44 29 73

% 60.3% 39.7% 100%

The American University in Dubai Count 9 46 55

% 16.4% 83.6% 100%

The American University in Kuwait Count - 49 49

% 0% 100% 100%

The American University in Sharjah

Count 6 46 52

% 11.5% 88.5% 100%

The Lebanese American University Count 13 40 53

% 24.5% 75.5% 100%

Universities in Jordan Count 13 42 55

% 23.6% 76.4% 100%

Universities in Morocco Count 8 45 53

% 15.1% 84.9% 100%

Universities in Qatar Count 5 49 54

% 9.3% 90.7% 100%


% 18.5% 81.5% 100%


Figure 14


Table 15

What were your concerns prior to arriving at AUC?

Yes No Total

Availability of courses Count 43 36 79

% 54.4% 45.6% 100%

Culture shock Count 33 42 75

% 44.0% 56.0% 100%

Finances Count 67 27 94

% 71.3% 28.7% 100%

Harassment Count 46 35 81

% 56.8% 43.2% 100%

Housing Count 45 36 81

% 55.6% 44.4% 100%

Language Count 54 32 86

% 62.8% 37.2% 100%

Personal safety Count 45 39 84

% 53.6% 46.4% 100%

Transfer credit approval Count 24 53 77

% 31.2% 68.8% 100%

Other Count 8 49 57

% 14.0% 86.0% 100%

Figure 15


Q.16: What additional information would have been useful to have before you arrived in Cairo?

1. Brochure stating all the AUC bus stops with maps. This will be helpful in securing an apartment before arriving. Most will be looking for apartments near an AUC bus stop.

2. Accurate information on how long I would actually be spending on the bus every day. I was at ALI for two semesters; I think I should have done one semester at ALI and one at a non-AUC language program, such as ILI.

3. "How to handle taxi drivers...How to move about the city" 4. Issues relating to racism and sexism here in Egypt, and xenophobia. 5. "Expect harassment. TONS OF IT. Fucking Egyptian animals." 6. More information about other universities and other programs. 7. It actually gets pretty cold in the winter 8. How terrible the registration would be and that I should secure my perfect schedule long in advance,

because they stopped allowing for registration in advance of my arrival without giving any notice. 9. That MSA was not spoken here, and that studying Colloquial Egyptian would have been advisable prior to

arrival - none of us in the UC system were aware that our years of Arabic would be practically useless. 10. I would’ve liked to know that they are very racist 11. I think that some sort of home stay program should be organized. Most of the study abroad students get

very distorted views of the country as they are only exposed to Zamalek and AUC's New Campus. I feel that a home stay option, at least for a short term, would give the students the ability to interact with Egyptian families and understand the culture in ways that cannot be experienced by going to bars in Zamalek

12. I was here twice before so I knew a lot about the country. I would have liked more information about public transportation.

13. More communication regarding housing; my original housing confirmation was sent to the wrong email address, so I was unable to confirm it until I asked about it weeks after the deadline, so I was concerned that I would not have housing,

14. None really. I love discovering by myself. Knowing too much before arriving would spoil the experience! 15. An AUC orientation for undergrads living in the dorms! Especially the new campus ones who were stuck in

dreadful conditions and felt very alone in the first few days. 16. Graduate student schedules -- i.e. I did not know all of the graduate courses were evening classes. 17. That AUC admins are not going to help you in the way you had hoped they are. Very rude throughout the

admin who treat you like dirt and roll their eyes/ignore you. 18. I got all the important information I needed from the AUC web site 19. It is still cold in the winter. 20. The very different lifestyles in the on campus dorms and zamalek residence. 21. I came as a research fellow - I found that my expectations were not met and AUC was not helpful at all. 22. Better information on finding a place to stay (how, proper prices etc.) 23. More information about the school Bus (maps/locations) + confirm the name of the company), info about

the Orientation Week vs Survival Arabic course, let us know that IPLs will help us out, that our medical insurance would actually include Medical assistance at AUC (didn't know that till later). Other than that, the website is really confusing and it was very hard to locate the info one needs as a study abroad student. It was also very hard to make the class schedule online beforehand as the system was new to me, and then I found it I had to do it again upon arrival.

24. It would be useful to allow people who come early to stay at the dorms for about a week when they first arrive. That way if they are looking for an apartment, it can ease the transition.

25. Dress code at AUC. I knew to dress conservative outside of campus, but on campus I felt very uncomfortable because I was not dressed as nice as the local AUC students.

26. That you shouldn't trust anyone. 27. More Arabic language knowledge 28. That I shouldn't study at AUC because it is very poorly run.


29. Knowing how to get an idea. Having a chance to visit the campus and explore bus routes during the summer, so that housing options around town could be explored would have been nice.

30. "That there was no married housing and no assistance whatsoever for married students to find housing. 31. I would have appreciated assistance and advice about housing." 32. Better information on where bus stops were for getting to campus in the first few days. Single checklist of

things for new international students and suggested order (i.e. get student ID, get bus pass, etc). Better co-ord with NY office--they provide different info on tuition payment than Cairo.

33. Access to AUC professor reviews - a better idea of the process for registering courses 34. About the weather. We were not informed beforehand 35. I was only informed that I got in three weeks before university started, which made it difficult to apply for

loans and such. I would very much have liked to know that I got in sooner. 36. I think the handbook on AUCs website to give information to new students was a bit out of date and could

have been organized more clearly. Unfortunately, that was close to two years ago, so I do not have specific examples that I can think of, but I remember that it was not accurate with several things.

37. Clear information on the new campus and how far it is from downtown.


Question 17: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements related to your transition to the university.

Table 17

Statements related to the students transition to the university

Combined Agree

Combined Disagree

Neutral NA Total

AUC's website provided me with information about AUC's academic programs.

Count 72 13 20 2 107

% 67.3% 12.1% 18.7% 1.9% 100%

AUC's webpages for international students were user-friendly and helpful in preparing for my study at AUC.

Count 57 25 21 5 108

% 52.8% 23.1% 19.4% 4.6% 100%

Pre-arrival communication provided necessary and useful information.

Count 52 27 23 4 106

% 49.1% 25.5% 21.7% 3.8% 100%

Orientation provided me with useful information that eased my transition.

Count 40 21 33 12 106

% 37.7% 19.8% 31.1% 11.3% 100%

Orientation leaders were courteous and helpful.

Count 71 7 15 13 106

% 67.0% 6.6% 14.2% 12.3% 100%

The graduate student orientation session provided me with useful information.

Count 29 11 19 44 103

% 28.2% 10.7% 18.4% 42.7% 100%

I obtained my student ID in a timely manner.

Count 73 20 12 2 107

% 68.2% 18.7% 11.2% 1.9% 100%

I obtained my bus pass in a timely Count 58 20 17 12 107

% 54.2% 18.7% 15.9% 11.2% 100%

On-campus course registration was organized and efficient.

Count 36 49 17 5 107

% 33.6% 45.8% 15.9% 4.7% 100%

International Student Affairs staff members were courteous in responding to my concerns during my transition to AUC.

Count 74 7 17 9 107

% 69.2% 6.5% 15.9% 8.4% 100%

International Student Affairs staff members informed me promptly and courteously about the receipt of my loan check.

Count 31 9 11 53 104

% 29.8% 8.7% 10.6% 51.0% 100%

Student financial accounting staff members processed my loan payments and other financial transactions in a prompt and effective manner.

Count 37 19 11 36 103

% 35.9% 18.4% 10.7% 35.0% 100%

Student financial accounting staff members were helpful and courteous.

Count 41 16 22 26 105

% 39.0% 15.2% 21.0% 24.8% 100%

Student financial affairs (financial aid) staff members provided me with courteous and effective assistance.

Count 33 16 20 36 105

% 31.4% 15.2% 19.0% 34.3% 100%

Section III Your Introduction to AUC

Q.17, Q.18 & Q.19


Figure 17


Q.18: If you are a study abroad student, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements related to your course advising and registration.

Table 18

Statements related to study abroad students' course advising and registration

Combined


Neutral NA Total

The information on the academic advising webpage was clear, with easy to follow steps.

Count 26 16 11 32 85

% 30.6% 18.8% 12.9% 37.6% 100%

Course advising via email correspondence was clear, timely and helpful.

Count 28 17 8 32 85

% 32.9% 20.0% 9.4% 37.6% 100%

I received syllabi for my courses (if requested) in time for my home university advisor to approve my courses.

Count 11 10 7 56 84

% 13.1% 11.9% 8.3% 66.7% 100%

The International Programs Office helped me register for courses prior to arrival at AUC.

Count 25 8 12 39 84

% 29.8% 9.5% 14.3% 46.4% 100%

I was able to register for the classes I wanted.

Count 38 9 12 26 85

% 44.7% 10.6% 14.1% 30.6% 100%

Staff members in the International Programs Office were courteous in responding to my academic concerns.

Count 37 7 8 34 86

% 43.0% 8.1% 9.3% 39.5% 100%

Figure 18


Q.19: If you applied through AUC’S New York office, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements:

Table 19

New York office Combined


Neutral NA Total

The New York Office staff were courteous and helpful.

Count 48 5 12 27 92

% 52.2% 5.4% 13.0% 29.3% 100%

The New York Office staff provided prompt and accurate responses to my inquiries.

Count 43 9 12 28 92

% 46.7% 9.8% 13.0% 30.4% 100%

The New York Office staff provided helpful and accurate answers to my questions concerning financial matters.

Count 40 7 14 31 92

% 43.5% 7.6% 15.2% 33.7% 100%

Billing and processing of payments by New York Office staff members was prompt and effective.

Count 41 6 17 28 92

% 44.6% 6.5% 18.5% 30.4% 100%

Figure 19


Table 20

The overall quality of academic instruction at AUC

Very Good

Good Fair Poor Very Poor

Total

The overall quality of the faculty Count 27 41 24 9 3 104

% 26.0% 39.4% 23.1% 8.7% 2.9% 100%

The overall quality of the courses Count 20 44 26 8 4 102

% 19.6% 43.1% 25.5% 7.8% 3.9% 100%

Figure 20

Section IV Academic Instruction

Q.20, Q.21 & Q.22


Q. 21: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements related to academic instruction at AUC:

Table 21

Combined


Neutral Total

Faculty members demonstrated thorough knowledge of course content.

Count 80 6 15 101

% 79.2% 5.9% 14.9% 100%

Faculty members inspired student interest in the course material.

Count 69 13 20 102

% 67.6% 12.7% 19.6% 100%

Faculty members were available for consultation outside of class.

Count 78 5 19 102

% 76.5% 4.9% 18.6% 100%

Faculty members assisted me in my academic development.

Count 60 13 27 100

% 60.0% 13.0% 27.0% 100%

Faculty members conducted fair and transparent assessment of my work.

Count 80 7 15 102

% 78.4% 6.9% 14.7% 100%

Overall, course content was of appropriate academic rigor.

Count 66 17 18 101

% 65.3% 16.8% 17.8% 100%

With the exception of Arabic language classes, all classes were taught exclusively in English.

Count 84 8 10 102

% 82.4% 7.8% 9.8% 100%

Classroom facilities were adequate for the needs of the course.

Count 90 5 6 101

% 89.1% 5.0% 5.9% 100%

Library facilities were adequate for my needs.

Count 70 22 10 102

% 68.6% 21.6% 9.8% 100%

Library hours were convenient. Count 51 43 6 100

% 51.0% 43.0% 6.0% 100%

I will recommend AUC to other students who want to study in the region.

Count 61 15 26 102

% 59.8% 14.7% 25.5% 100%


Figure 21


Q.22: If you studied Arabic at AUC, please rate the following aspects of language instruction.

Table 22

Combined


Neutral Total

Arabic language staff were helpful during online and on-campus advising and registration.

Count 39 5 9 53

% 73.6% 9.4% 17.0% 100%

I was placed at an appropriate level of Arabic language instruction.

Count 43 6 4 53

% 81.1% 11.3% 7.5% 100%

Arabic language courses were taught primarily in Arabic.

Count 42 7 4 53

% 79.2% 13.2% 7.5% 100%

The teaching methods were effective.

Count 39 8 7 54

% 72.2% 14.8% 13.0% 100%

Course materials were relevant and aided learning.

Count 40 7 5 52

% 76.9% 13.5% 9.6% 100%

The level of class participation and discussion was appropriate to meet the objectives of the class.

Count 44 5 5 54

% 81.5% 9.3% 9.3% 100%

Faculty members conducted fair and transparent assessment of my work.

Count 44 4 6 54

% 81.5% 7.4% 11.1% 100%

The instructions I received significantly increased my Arabic language skills.

Count 42 7 5 54

% 77.8% 13.0% 9.3% 100%

Figure 22


Q.23: Please indicate your overall level of satisfaction with the following services: In this section students’ satisfaction with facilities and services is presented across all student types.

Table 23

Combined Satisfied

Combined Dissatisfied

Neutral NA Total

Athletic facilities Count 73 - 7 21 101

% 72.3% 0% 6.9% 20.8% 100%

Bus service Count 56 21 23 2 102

% 54.9% 20.6% 22.5% 2.0 100%

Food services on campus Count 25 45 32 - 102

% 24.5% 44.1% 31.4% 0% 100%

Medical services Count 46 10 19 27 102

% 45.1% 9.8% 18.6% 26.5% 100%

Office of Counseling, Mentoring and Student Conduct

Count 21 4 13 64 102

% 20.6% 3.9% 12.7% 62.7% 100%

Office of Residential Life Count 26 10 20 46 102

% 25.5% 9.8% 19.6% 45.1% 100%

Security Count 71 8 19 4 102

% 69.6% 7.8% 18.6% 3.9% 100%

Student health insurance Count 43 8 27 24 102

% 42.2% 7.8% 26.5% 23.5% 100%

Student housing Count 31 12 8 51 102

% 30.4% 11.8% 7.8% 50.0% 100%

Travel Office Count 25 5 16 56 102

% 24.5% 4.9% 15.7% 54.9% 100%

Figure 23

Section V AUC Services and Facilities

Q.23


Table 24

Did you participate in any of the following extracurricular activities?

Yes No Total

Community service activities Count 16 78 94

% 17.0% 83.0% 100%

Graduate Student Association (GSA) Count 10 84 94

% 10.6% 89.4% 100%

International Day Count 40 56 96

% 41.7% 58.3% 100%

Lectures Count 76 22 98

% 77.6% 22.4% 100%

Model Arab League Count 4 90 94

% 4.3% 95.7% 100%

Model United Nations Count 8 85 93

% 8.6% 91.4% 100%

Sports Count 12 80 92

% 13.0% 87.0% 100%

Student clubs Count 16 75 91

% 17.6% 82.4% 100%

Student cultural activities (art, folklore, etc.)

Count 13 80 93

% 14.0% 86.0% 100%

Student Government (Student Union)

Count 1 90 91

% 1.1% 98.9% 100%

Student-organized conferences Count 10 82 92

% 10.9% 89.1% 100%

Theater Count 9 82 91

% 9.9% 90.1% 100%

Trips and special events Count 53 45 98

% 54.1% 45.9% 100%


% 25.7% 74.3% 100%

Section VI Activities

Q.24 & Q. 25


Figure 24


Table 25

Did you encounter any difficulty in joining student activities or groups?

Frequency Percent

Yes 22 24.4%

No 68 75.6%

Total 90 100%

Figure 25

If “Yes”, please specify:

1. "Intimidating...a lot of organizations frowned upon the notion of an international student joining the

organization. Also, the overall lack of knowledge on how to join an organization became problematic" 2. The student groups don't have contact info, don't recruit, and aren't very active and many operate mostly

in Arabic. 3. The student organizations advertise frequently but do not give clear information about what exactly their

organization does. It also seemed getting the organizations up and running this semester was slow. 4. Many of the student groups operated in Arabic only and i found it very difficult to communicate

effectively with them. Also, they give very little notice of events and i couldn't get to campus in time to participate. And i am not going to come to campus on a Friday ever so i don't know why they schedule events on that day. And i hate having to take a taxi from Maadi to campus, so that is another reason why i didn't join in on those events

5. Did know which club was which and it was intimidating to approach the booths and try and figure out what club it was and it I was interested.

6. "I see no other place to write this on the survey, and expressing these concerns are really the only reason I took it in the first place. They are all complaints about the library and its atmosphere. I believe they will resonant with many international students and also Egyptians who just want a quiet place to study with functioning internet. I do not where else to complain about this so I will do so here. It is appalling that the university allows music to be blasted outside of the library on a regular basis. I'm not talking just loud


music. I'm talking (library) window shaking bass. This is almost always in connection with some activity or fair or something and it is always incredibly distracting. I fully understand that a vibrant student activity scene is a key component of the university and I have no problem with that. My complaint is location. Why build an amazing library with all sorts of academic resources if you are just going to make it impossible to study at during main hours of the week? Window shaking bass I remind you. Why not move these activities somewhere else? Or move the library? Or something. It is not in keeping with the image of a serious university in the business of producing knowledge. I have friends who ask me to call them if the music is playing so that they know not to come to campus that day as it will be a complete waste of three hours. Internet. The internet in the library works sporadically at best from the hours of 10:30 to 5. I realize this is an issue of load and probably has to do with students downloading things and watching YouTube, but it makes it impossible to do any library research during those hours. I've spent hours watching the results page load trying to find the article I need. Often I find myself staying home when I need to do library research, which is unpleasant both due to the irony and the fact that I often want both books and articles. This is a constant complaint I hear from many people and one that needs to be addressed. Perhaps the money spent on Amr Diab or overnight faculty trips to Ain Sokhna would be better spent here. Just a thought. Talking in the library. I realize it is unrealistic to expect a completely silent library here, but it would be nice to have one section, one place (with internet!) where I didn't have to listen to people talking loudly, on their phones or to each other. The signs on the second floor are a good start but they are often ignored. It is very distracted and puts myself and others in the unpleasant position of having to tell our colleagues to please, shut up. I recommend a sort of mutahassib who wanders the third floor with a cane beating people who speak above a whisper or are clearly doing group work outside of a group study room on the wrists. I would gladly accept such beatings if I violated the rules. You could also set up a check point at the entrance to the second floor in which people are interrogated as to the reason for being there. People could still lie, but it would strongly reinforce the idea that the floor is for individual study only. In lieu of this, I kindly request more signs and possibly making it part of the jobs of the security guys (who, I might add, are generally really nice) to shush people. Basically all I want is a quiet, indoor place with tables or desks and working internet to study. AUC has not provided this and I am thoroughly disappointed, and occasionally (particularly when the windows are shaking) angry. I think that these requests are reasonable given the high fees that we all pay to go here.

7. I signed up for list servs but never received emails from them. 8. The person responsible in communicating club meeting days and times would not send out emails with

that information hence I lost interest in participating in the club 9. I couldn't tell what any of the groups actually did. 10. I did have trouble just hearing about different clubs and meetings what was available seemed very

hidden. 11. Did not know what was available, and found it hard to find out. Initially I wanted to join some sports, but

never had the chance as a I never found out how. 12. To join clubs most students have to sign up in the spring to participate in the fall, and like wise if students

want to join in the spring, they must sign up in the fall. But if a student is study abroad for only a semester, they miss out on both opportunities to participate in most clubs.

13. I signed up for a couple of clubs, but have NEVER heard back from these clubs. Also, Egyptian students seem to already be in their own groups, and it doesn't seem like outsiders are welcome to join. These clubs don't encourage others to join, especially if they are solely speaking in Arabic during meetings.

14. Model Arab League & Model United Nations, Lectures 15. unsure of meeting time/place; poor communication 16. Not sure of the groups, how to join, etc 17. Music club 18. Signed up for some clubs, never got a response even when they said they would contact you from the

signup sheet. 19. The group I tried to join was terribly unorganized and that changed my mind about trying to get involved. 20. I signed up for a few but none got back to me


21. Many groups would send out information regarding their activities the day before or the day of the event, which makes it extremely hard to schedule around. Also, many of the groups are very clique-like and make it difficult to get to know the students.

Q. 26: Please provide us with a permanent email address -- one which you intend to monitor after you leave AUC -- so that the university can stay in touch with you. Your email address will be kept strictly confidential.

Removed for respondents’ confidentiality.

Q.27: If you are willing to be contacted for further research on the international student experience at AUC, please provide us with your contact information. This information will be kept confidential and will never appear in association with your responses on any reports from this survey.

Removed for respondent’s confidentiality.

spring 2012 - auc intranet - home · 2015. 11. 24. · spring 2012”; 10.3% “study abroad, full...

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