In this age of globalization, the presence of foreign students has been perceived by universities around the world as an effective instrument in the internationalization of their campuses. Exposing domestic students to contact with international students has served as a strategy to prepare students for living and working in a global community and as a tool in developing global knowledge. It has also helped in overcoming negative attitudes toward other peoples and cultures. In meeting the objective of internationalization of their campuses, US colleges and universities have actively recruited students from all areas of the world.

It was a known fact that international students go to the United States in search of more than an education. They wish to hone their English language skills, to understand the American culture, and to develop friendships with US nationals. However for the most part, foreign students fail to integrate into the mainstream of American higher education and many return to their home countries without meeting their academic or personal objectives. Of those who are able to complete their academic programs, many do not enter into any meaningful participation in American culture.

International students in the US want to understand the American culture, their patterns of thinking and behavior, and to learn the cultural norms. Additionally they need for the university community to understand and value the international students’ cultures. More interaction with American students and families is a way to increase that type of learning.

In recognizing its responsibility for the well-being of international students, American universities across the nation have designed and implemented programs in an effort to meet the students’ personal needs and academic objectives The programs included new student and ongoing orientation, programs to pair international and domestic students, holiday celebration programs, homestays and family friendship programs among many others. Out-of-the-classroom, social contact has been identified as an important factor in reducing misunderstanding and promoting adaptation. To this end, colleges and universities have sought to match international students with domestic students and have tailored programs to particular target groups to assist with the adaptation process.

My question today is how many higher education institution located throughout the world are dealing with these issues? Has your university successfully integrated your foreign students into the mainstream of your country’s culture and education? The academic and cultural integration of international students is congruent with the mission of most universities in promoting the educational development and the professional and social skills of all students. The satisfaction of international students, their retention, their progress toward a degree, and their full human development should be as much a concern to educators as those of their national students.

Universities through their international services office are responsible for examining the experiences of international students on their campus, identifying what hinders their adjustment and integration, and developing workable strategies to help international students feel a stronger sense of involvement in the larger academic community. Assessing and addressing the problems that international students experience will impact many areas. It will aid not only in the internationalization of the campus—as stated in the mission and goals of most universities—but it will expose domestic students to the life styles, values, and culture of people throughout the world and thereby enrich their experience. It will also foster goodwill between nations and will help all students develop beneficial bonds for their personal lives and future careers.

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About the Author:Dori Kelsey

Dori Kelsey, Director of Spain Exchange http://www.spainexchange.com holds a Master of Liberal Studies from The University of Toledo (Ohio) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spring Arbor College (Michigan) in Management and Organizational Development.

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