Perceptions of Teaching Excellence and Satisfaction Amongst Chinese-Educated Students at a UK University

Almost one-third of non-EU students studying in the UK are Chinese. This study aims to explore perceptions of teaching excellence and satisfaction amongst Chinese-educated students. The topic was explored through focus groups comprised of Chinese students currently based at the University of Surrey. Participants in the focus groups noted that key challenges faced by Chinese students were associated with studying in English, transitioning to a more interactive teaching style and becoming demotivated due to the lack of frequent academic checkpoints often found in Chinese education. Recommendations deriving from the study include implementing uniform use of lecture-capture technologies, providing additional explanation and clarification of taught content and providing extra support to students’ efforts to find internships and jobs in the UK.