​​EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT​

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of international education on cognitive development. A mixed method research approach was adopted, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 8 participants who had experience with international education. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis and a Likert rating. The results revealed that international education has a positive impact on cognitive development, with improved academic performance, increased intellectual development, enhanced critical thinking, and the potential to foster creativity and problem-solving skills. The participants reported an average improvement in the core subjects after enrolment, with a +19 points improvement in sciences, +12 points improvement in mathematics and +11 in languages. The results also indicated that international education had a positive effect on communication skills, as it allowed students to practice communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds. These findings suggest that international education can have a positive impact on cognitive development, and should be encouraged, as it has many benefits, including improved academic performance, increased intellectual development, and enhanced critical thinking and communication skills. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings and recommendations for further research.