Homesickness is a complex phenomenon that operates on a spectrum and impacts individuals' psychological, cognitive, and physical functioning. Sufferers experience a preoccupation of home and a strong desire to return home. In higher education, homesickness among first-year students has been linked to a higher risk of dropping out of school,…

This qualitative study investigated 14 Chinese international graduate students' lived experiences with group work and the effects of group work on their English communicative competence. The interview results showed that these participants' attitudes towards group work went through changes from initial inadaptation or dislike to later adaptation…

The transition to middle school can be difficult. Most teens are excited about getting older, but they're often not prepared for some of the challenges that come with growing up. Physical and emotional changes, evolving relationships, and increased expectations at school can all make for some major adjustments. "Too Old for This, Too Young for…

Transition from school or college to university is a time of great anxiety for many first-year undergraduates: some studies illustrate the emphasis which students place on finding new friends and securing a consistent social life; the importance of which resonates more with peers than with parents or lecturers. This has to be accomplished…

Advice on succeeding in college is offered for the nontraditional student: the student who returns to college at a later age. Assets that the nontraditional, returning students have include strong motivation and valuable life experiences, the ability to interact, and the ability to handle a variety of responsibilities at once. Suggestions are…

This paper explores how students adjust to life at universities outside their home countries. Much of the current body of research was conducted prior to the 9/11 tragedy and focuses primarily on studies within a single U.S. institution. This project expands the boundaries by including multiple institutions from around the globe post-9/11. The…

Advice for students entering college is provided. Overall topics include the challenges presented by college, the new freshman's interest in learning and study habits, course selection, class attendance, time management, and note taking. Specific topics that are briefly discussed are as follows: adjusting to many new experiences, the independence…

Respondents to a questionnaire about the elementary-middle and middle-high school transition experience respectively were 173 sixth grade students, 83 parents, and 12 teachers, and 320 ninth grade students, 61 parents and 17 teachers. Results revealed that school transitions posed both challenges and opportunities for students. Parents and…

Noting that starting school is a major milestone for young children as well as for their parents, this activity booklet provides a read-aloud story for parents to share with their children to help them feel confident and comfortable in school. The story features the Public Broadcasting System characters Arthur and his sister D.W., and includes…

This report examines the racial climate on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus and makes a series of recommendations for improvements in several areas. It reveals evidence of racial and other problems on the MIT campus through information gained in two surveys: The 1984 Quality of Student Life Survey, and the 1985 Black Alumni…

This monograph considers aspects of the visually impaired student's transition from high school to college and his successful adjustment at college, reports on a forum of experts addressing these issues, and summarizes results of surveys of successful students and college administrators. The first chapter is on making plans to attend college and…

This guide for students with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) and their counselors and teachers offers practical advice for success in college. The 11 chapters cover the following topics: (1) the possibility of success; (2) definitions and characteristics of ADD; (3) diagnosis and treatment of ADD; (4) interviews with college students about their…

This study assessed student perceptions of service at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane (Australia). Data were based on open-ended discussions with 48 undergraduate focus groups during which participants were asked what they perceived to be the good and bad aspects of university life, what they did to cope with obstacles, and how…

This study of nonacademic services provided to international and noninternational college and university students had three purposes: (1) exploration of differences that might exist between the nonacademic social service needs of international (non-native born) and noninternational (native born) students; (2) identification of a mean level of…