Internationalization of higher education. Satisfaction of university students in Spain and Portugal

Higher education is a key factor and the services provided by academic organisations should contribute to improving students' skills as well as facilitating their inclusion in a labour market. The purpose of this study was to know the satisfaction of students of the University Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences at the IPG (Polytechnic Institute of Guarda) of Portugal and at the EUO (University School of Osuna) of Spain. The sample was composed of 174 university students (97 from the IPG and 77 from the EUO) enrolled in the 2021/22 academic year. A previously validated questionnaire with Likert-type responses was used (1 not at all according to 7 totally agreeing). The results showed that EUO students showed greater satisfaction with the "Teaching and Research Staff (PDI)" while IPG students with the "Administration and Services Staff (PAS)". Taking into account the course in which the participating students were, in the EUO, the first year students presented a better level of general satisfaction than those of the third year. In the IPG, first -and third-year students had a higher level of overall satisfaction than second-year students. This work has served to carry out a deep reflection on the curricula, establish cooperation mechanisms and lay the foundations for the implementation of the International Double Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences in both educational institutions.