The Academic Writing Challenges Faced by Saudi Students Studying at a University in New Zealand

Abstract

This study focused on academic writing challenges and its requirements, explored student perceptions and suggested ways in which their needs could be better met. The current study examined the obstacles of academic writing facing Saudi students in a New Zealand university. The study adopted a qualitative method approach in which 10 volunteer students were interviewed to learn their views and perceptions of academic writing skills in English and the questionnaire was used to collect students' demographic information. Also, what can be done to better prepare students for academic study at English medium universities. The students' attitude was not positive, which elicited the problem. The results revealed that the attitude of Saudi students towards learning and using the English language was not positive due to problems in teaching English, which resulted in students not prepared for the requirements of studying through the English language. It is also hoped that the results and recommendations issued by this study will benefit Saudi students, government departments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as English medium universities that accept students.