Participation patterns and barriers to participation in adult education activities among international women in Blacksburg, Va., U.S.A.

The purpose of this study was to identify the participation patterns, preferences, and barriers which prevent international students' wives from participating in adult education programs. To obtain the data necessary to answer the research questions posed in this study, a sample of sixty seven respondents was selected.

The results of analysis revealed that women with jobs and women with longer duration of stay in the United States are less likely to participate. The programs in which women participate frequently are unpaid English classes, YMCA programs, International club program, and paid English classes. The programs which international women prefer are unpaid English lessons by private tutors, cooking, swimming, aerobics, and unpaid English classes. Participation in English from an unpaid tutor overall is much less than the indicated preferences. It is concluded that the major barriers are cost, no child care, lack of information, fear of deficiency of communication in English, and not enough time.