Supporting international students' transition from pathway programmes: a study of the University of Glasgow

Studies show that international students go through a series of academic, cultural and linguistic adjustments during their study abroad (Andrade, 2006; Coates and Dickinson, 2012; Wang, 2012). Our research explored these aspects of transition from a pathway programme to the second year of undergraduate study in the University of Glasgow’s College of Social Sciences drawing on focus group study with 80 international students who were studying at, or had previously studied at, Glasgow International College (GIC) before progressing on to University of Glasgow study. We explored their experience of transition, coping strategies for study and life, and information seeking behaviours, as well as their perceptions of the roles of social media and peer mentoring in enhancing transition support. This paper reflects on these issues and sets out how we are responding. In sharing our approach to transition support, we hope to provide practical, evidence-based suggestions for others.