Cultural and Academic Challenges of Foreign Students: A Documentation Towards Internationalization Policy Development

The internationalization of higher education has positioned the Philippines as a growing academic destination for foreign students. However, the cultural and academic challenges they encounter remain underexplored, particularly in the context of regional higher education institutions. This study comprehensively documented the experiences of foreign graduate students at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), focusing on cultural barriers, academic difficulties, and coping mechanisms. Guided by qualitative inquiry, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese students to capture their lived realities of adaptation and integration. Findings revealed that cultural challenges included language barriers, social isolation, and limited intercultural interaction, which often hindered students’ sense of belonging. Academic challenges were also evident in curriculum alignment, instructional delivery, and assessment practices that were not always responsive to international students’ needs. Despite these difficulties, participants demonstrated resilience by employing coping strategies such as peer collaboration, improvisation of resources, and reliance on cultural practices to navigate their academic journey. The study highlights the importance of developing institutional policies and practices that are culturally responsive, supportive, and inclusive. It further underscores the need for improved faculty preparation, enhanced student services, and curriculum reforms aligned with global standards while remaining sensitive to local cultural contexts. By documenting these challenges and strategies, the study provides critical insights that can inform CHED and HEI internationalization policies, ensuring that Philippine universities move beyond policy rhetoric toward more inclusive and globally competitive educational practices.