International Research Students' Perceptions of Quality Supervision

Supervision is a one – to – one interaction between a supervisor and a student which designated the purpose of facilitating students academically especially in higher degree level of study. Supervisor plays an important role in developing interpersonal relationship with supervised students, especially international research students who study aboard and need more attentions. A good quality of supervision is essential in supporting and facilitating them in research. In research studies, supervisions act as important component in determining the successful or failure of studies. This issue is especially crucial to international research students at the beginning of research journey due to the cultural differences and transition of learning styles in new environment. A review of literature shows that international research students have their own perspectives on characteristics of ideal supervisors and factors that influence quality of supervision. This study is based on qualitative data to investigate views and experiences of international research students on characteristics of good supervisors in supervision in an Australian university context and the factors that influenced quality of supervision. The findings discovered from qualitative data on characteristics of ideal supervisors from international research students’ views are knowledgeable and experienced in research field, good in planning, follow-up students’ works, supportive, caring, and respect students’ cultures and religions. In addition, cultural and language barriers could be seen important obstacles for research students at the first stage of the journey. Findings of this study can become guidelines and references to upgrade supervisions’ qualities and enhance postgraduate research studies for current and prospective international research students in Australia.