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Welcoming and Social Integration 1Welcoming and Social Integration of International StudentsBefriending the StrangerMaureen (Molly) BirdUniversity of St. Thomas

Welcoming and Social Integration 2There are many challenges faced by colleges and universities in welcoming and retaininginternational students on campus. Language and cultural differences are barriers to the socialintegration of students and often such differences lead to discrimination (Lacina, 2002). Thepurpose of this paper is to examine one challenge for student affairs practitioners - how towelcome and socially integrate international students on campus.International students typically remain in the United States only for a short time period,and leave family and friends behind in the home country. International students must form newsocial networks. Opportunities for social interactions are an integral part of their collegeexperience in the United States (Lacina, 2002).Language DifferencesResearch indicates the first barrier encountered by international students is language(Selvadurai, 1991). Language differences pose a problem for many international students whocome to the United States to study. Although most institutions require English testing to enter thecollege or university, social slang and academic English are often misunderstood (Lacina, 2002).

Faculty, staff, and students need to be aware of this. Dave’s ESL Café (www.eslcafe.com) is one

place for international students to learn informal English and for Americans to learn about ESL(English as a Second Language) issues (Lacina, 2002). According to a study conducted by Kaganand Cohen (1990) on cultural adjustments of international students, speaking English was thesingle factor that contributed to both cultural adjustment and to personal and social adjustment.Educating American Students about CulturesIt is important to educate American students about diversity and intercultural issues inorder to break down barriers.

“Prejudice, impatience, religious and political attitudes on the partof native students often interferes with socializing (Selvadurai, 1991, p. 4)”.

International

Welcoming and Social Integration 3students often feel a lack of respect and ignorance on the part of Americans regarding theculture, history, and geography of their countries (Peterson, D., Briggs, P., Dreasher, L., Horner,D. & Nelson, T., 1999). Many institutions have developed successful programs for interculturallearning aimed towards bridging stereotypes and increasing knowledge of other cultures.Creating and maintaining an atmosphere of mutual understanding between international andnative students is the obligation of institutions of higher education (Selvadurai, 1991).One example is the Learning with Foreign Students Program developed at the Universityof Minnesota (Peterson et al., 1999). The Learning with Foreign Students Program allows for theeducation of native students about other cultures directly from foreign students (Peterson et al.,1999). Other similar programs have been successful such as the Culture Corps Program at IowaState University and the International Cultural Service Program within the state universitysystem in Oregon (Peterson et al., 1999).Welcoming International Students and Opportunities for Social InteractionInternational student affairs staff must collaborate with other student affairs offices, aswell as faculty, American students, and the community to provide a welcoming environment forinternational students (Peterson et al., 199

9). Student affairs leaders “must nurture support for

international programs and services (Peterson et al., 1999, p. 1)

”. At many

campuses, aninternational student center creates an opportunity for cultural exchange. International studentcenters often sponsor events and create meeting places to foster interaction and learning (Hansen,2002). International student centers may also offer a specific orientation for internationalstudents as well as provide assistance with issues relating to culture, social life, health care, andmoney matters (Lacina, 2002).