International Master Programs in a Global Perspective: A Case Study of Introducing Problem-Based Learning and Project Work to Foreign Students

摘要

Despite the popularity of distance learning there is an increasing interest among students to apply for international Master Programs. From governmental side there is also an increasing focus on globalization of the country's higher education institutions where strong focus is placed on the educational market place. With this increased focus on internationalization problems arise from issues such as the students' multi-cultural backgrounds and in many cases also significant differences in teaching principles and traditions as well as level of academic excellence. This paper attempts to analyze the feedback provided by international students after completion of their first semester, an introduction semester, within the area of Electrical Engineering at Aalborg University, Denmark. The paper presents some of the experiences of students, lecturers and supervisors altogether and major obstacles challenging a smooth transition for the students are pin-pointed.