In the context of globalization and the internationalization of higher education, the proportion of international students in Korean universities continues to increase. However, many international students experience reduced learning efficiency due to...
In the context of globalization and the internationalization of higher education, the proportion of international students in Korean universities continues to increase. However, many international students experience reduced learning efficiency due to a combination of linguistic barriers, cultural differences, and mismatches between educational systems. In particular, the lack of service-level design guidelines that support the systematic use of learning tools and resources, difficulties in task execution and time management, and passive participation in interactive activities such as presentations and discussions have emerged as major obstacles to learning engagement and academic achievement.
Against this backdrop, this study aims to enhance the quality of international students’ learning experiences and improve learning efficiency by applying a service design methodology and systematically developing service design guidelines supported by AI-assisted learning tools.
The study adopts the Double Diamond model and proceeds through the stages of problem discovery, definition, ideation, and implementation. Multiple user experience research methods—including shadowing, in-depth interviews, persona development, and customer journey mapping—were employed to identify core problems in international students’ learning processes. As a result, four key challenges were identified: insufficient information support, difficulties in time management, lack of interaction, and knowledge gaps arising from differences in educational systems. To address these issues, expert workshops were conducted, and brainstorming and How Might We (HMW) techniques were applied to generate and refine feasible ideas that could be translated into service design guidelines.
Based on these processes, this study developed a three-stage learning support scenario encompassing pre-service, in-service, and post-service phases. The service design guidelines incorporate structured learning support elements such as video tutorials, situation-based guidance cards, and integrated learning support materials, alongside AI-based personalized feedback and foundational knowledge reinforcement modules. Through the development of a Service Blueprint, the interactions among learner experiences (Frontstage), operational activities (Backstage), and support systems (Support System) were systematically organized, clarifying how the service design guidelines could be implemented in real educational contexts.
For empirical validation, a survey was conducted with 125 Chinese graduate students enrolled at D University. The questionnaire measured learning efficiency and cognitive–psychological stability (usability), as well as overall learning experience quality and satisfaction, using a five-point Likert scale with supplementary open-ended questions. The results indicate that the proposed service design guidelines had positive effects on reducing information search time, clarifying learning procedures, alleviating psychological burden, promoting interaction, and providing personalized feedback. Moreover, improvements were observed in overall learning experience quality, service reuse intention, and willingness to recommend the service to other international students.
The significance of this study lies in three main aspects. First, it extends beyond fragmented learning tool proposals or isolated support mechanisms by presenting a comprehensive set of service design guidelines that address learning support from a service design perspective. Second, by integrating AI-based translation, recommendation, and feedback functions into the service design guidelines, the study demonstrates an adaptive and personalized learning support framework that responds to learners’ individual contexts and proficiency levels. Third, empirical validation with Chinese international graduate students enhances the reliability and practical applicability of the findings, providing a foundation for future research on AI–service design convergence in multicultural educational environments.
In conclusion, this study empirically demonstrates the potential of a service design–based approach to improving international students’ learning efficiency and shows that the integration of structured service design guidelines with AI-assisted learning tools offers meaningful implications for the development of inclusive and effective learning support services in global higher education contexts.