Should I stay or should I go? The perceptions and experiences of first year international students, which influence their decisions to persist or withdraw from degree courses

International student retention is an increasing issue in UK higher education. This article focuses on research at the University of Brighton (UOB), where high withdrawal rates of first year international students have become apparent. This study explored first year international student[1] experiences and identified factors that influence their persistence or proposed withdrawal from degree courses. The research incorporated two stages of in-depth interviews with first year international students studying business subjects, followed by a university wide survey of all first year international students. The findings suggest that stress induced by difficulties of studying in English, combined with adjustment to UK higher education expectations; experiences of learning, teaching, assessment; and emotional and academic support; can influence international students' decisions to withdraw. [1] For the purposes of this research the term International students refers to those within and outside the EU