Curiculum review and development of an international student preparatory programme

Abstract

In addition to the entry criterion of oblaining the stipulated minimum IELTS band or TOEFL score, an alternative route laken by international students is participate in a preparatory programme and achieve the required results. Many of these students select the latter option due to their low proficiency level of English. The current research examined a foundation programme for international students in terms of its curriculum via a questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, and face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The sample comprised former students of the programme who are currently studying in Universiti Malaysia Sabah, lecturers teaching these students, and deans of schools where these students are studying. Based on the findings, an alternative programme is proposed to overcome the shortcomings of the existing programme.