Evaluating international student experiences in a short-term mobility program

A case of the Delightful Istanbul Program

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/997rmf44

Keywords:

Short-term Mobility Programs, Course Experience Questionnaire, Interdisciplinary Learning Outcomes, International Students, Pedagogical Strategy

Abstract

Short-term international academic programs are increasingly adopted to promote global engagement in higher education; however, student experiences within these initiatives remain underexplored. This study evaluates the academic perceptions of 129 international students who participated in the 2024 Delightful Istanbul Summer Program at Istanbul Aydin University. Data were collected using the validated Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and analyses conducted with SPSS confirmed high internal reliability (α=.80-.92). Among CEQ dimensions, Good Teaching received high ratings, particularly from Health Sciences students (M=4.63), while Emphasis on Independence received lower ratings, particularly from STEM students (M=3.66). No significant gender differences emerged. Health Sciences students scored significantly higher than both STEM and Social Sciences students in Generic Skills (p=.004). Field-of-study differences were also found in Good Teaching (p=.039) and Overall Satisfaction (p=.003), with Health Sciences reporting the highest means. Across course types, significant variations appeared in teaching quality (p<.01), skill development (p<.001), independence (p<.05), and overall satisfaction (p=.002), favoring STEM and Health Sciences courses. Regression analysis identified Good Teaching (β=.50, p<.001) and Generic Skills (β=.21, p=.003) as significant predictors of overall satisfaction, explaining 57% of the variance. These findings highlight the value of well-structured, interdisciplinary short-term programs in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.

Author Biographies

  • Ali Efe Irali, İstanbul Aydin University

    ALI EFE IRALI, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Digital Game Design at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Türkiye. He was previously affiliated with the Faculty of Fine Arts at Istanbul Aydın University, where he taught in the Cartoon and Animation Department. He earned his PhD in Radio, Television, and Cinema from Istanbul University, with research focused on digital applications in cultural heritage. His major research interests include digital media, communication technologies, interactive visual design, game-based learning, and accessibility in education. Email: efeirali@gmail.com

  • Mine Erguven, İstanbul Aydin University

    MINE ERGÜVEN, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Medical Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydın University, Türkiye. She holds dual master's degrees in Biochemistry and Clinical Embryology, and earned her PhD in Medical Biochemistry from Istanbul University. Her primary research interests include cancer biology, stem cell therapies, infertility and assisted reproduction technologies, nanotechnology-based drug design, biocompatibility, cell and tissue culture, biosensors, and food supplement innovations. Email: mineerguven@aydin.edu.tr

  • Arta Armani, İstanbul Aydin University

    Arta Armani, PhD, is an Assistant Professor and Researcher in the Department of Medical Biology and Genetics at the Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Türkiye. She holds a PhD in Medical Biology and Genetics from Marmara University and an MSc degree in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology from Istanbul Technical University. Her research focuses on cancer genomics, computational biology, and international education. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she serves as an instructor and Academic Coordinator for International Relations, contributing to the design, coordination, and delivery of interdisciplinary mobility courses within the university’s international short-term study programs. Email:artaarmani@aydin.edu.tr

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Published

2026-01-15

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Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Irali, A. E., Erguven, M., & Armani, A. (2026). Evaluating international student experiences in a short-term mobility program: A case of the Delightful Istanbul Program. Journal of International Students, 16(1), 111-126. https://doi.org/10.32674/997rmf44