SATISFACTION WITH SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL-EXPERIENCES AMONG INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE-STUDENTS

We undertake a quantitative analysis of the determinants of satisfaction among international graduate students at one university. We focus on satisfaction in three areas: academic program, academic appointment, and nonacademic social relationships. Determinants of satisfaction are theoretically classified as individual resources (e.g., language skills), social resources (e.g., contact with U.S. students), and social context (e.g,, perceived discrimination). Multiple regression analysis reveals that academic satisfaction is most strongly related to contact with U.S. students, language skills, and perceived discrimination. Social satisfaction is linked with marital status, language skills, perceived discrimination, and contact with U.S. students. Students' gender, grades, aspirations, and financial situation had no relation to satisfaction.