This article explores the ways in which Saudi female international students (SFIS) in Australia use social networking sites (SNS) to help them form social networks and present their online identity. Based on themes derived from five in-depth interviews, findings suggest that SFIS use SNS in a way that helps them foster a sense of belonging and connectivity regardless of their location. Currently SFIS use Facebook mainly to keep in touch with friends and family that are both local and international; gain knowledge of the various social and political events happening around them; and have ‘fun’. Similar to findings in the literature on social media use by students, SFIS form distinct virtual social networks made up not only of their conational Saudi friends, but also international Saudi as well as Australian and international friends whom they have face to face contact within Australia. As their main purpose of using SNS was to keep in touch with friends, SFIS reported using their real and accurate identity to make it easy for friends to find them. However, when it comes to the online sharing of personal photos SFIS showed a negative attitude towards posting their personal photos due to cultural considerations. Overall, findings of the study align with the literature in which SNS such as Facebook are instrumental for SFIS in maintaining a strong sense of connectivity and bonding while they are temporarily out of their home country.
The number of Saudi female international students (SFISs) pursuing higher degrees in Western countries has increased dramatically. Many are faced with unusual challenges, especially acting without a male’s permission, interacting with males, and using an open, free Internet. This article proposes that SFISs experience a “digital shift” whereby their cultural, educational, and digital backgrounds impact their information-seeking behavior in Australia. The study used a qualitative interpretivist methodology, interviewing a diverse group of SFISs studying in Australia, to better understand this impact on their everyday information needs and use of information sources. Findings indicate that SFISs’ imperfect online search skills, exacerbated by English language deficiency, increase their challenges. Recommendations for supporting SFISs are offered for institutions and service providers.
Many transient Saudi Arabian students arrive in Australia annually; more than 5000 new Saudi students enrolled in 2017 to join thousands of tertiary students already in Australia. This article specifically explores the motives of Saudi female international students (SFIS) for leaving Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to study in Australia. Data were analysed and evaluated in terms of the ‘push–pull explanation’ of motivation. Salient push elements included the lack of university places and courses for women in KSA, the influence of close relatives (especially male) and Saudi governmental policies. Pull elements included the safety and tolerance of Australia being perceived to be greater than any other western country, Australia’s excellent education system and the relative convenience and ease of Australia’s admission process. The study is significant as it is the first that aims to understand Saudi females’ motivations for studying overseas, especially in Australia.
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