Integrating International Students Into the Life of the University

In this age of globalization, the presence of foreigninternational and domestic students, holiday celebration
students has been perceived by universities aroundprograms, homestays and family friendship programs
the world as an effective instrument in theamong many others. Out-of-the-classroom, social
internationalization of their campuses. Exposingcontact has been identified as an important factor in
domestic students to contact with internationalreducing misunderstanding and promoting adaptation.
students has served as a strategy to prepareTo this end, colleges and universities have sought to
students for living and working in a global communitymatch international students with domestic students
and as a tool in developing global knowledge. It hasand have tailored programs to particular target groups
also helped in overcoming negative attitudes towardto assist with the adaptation process.
other peoples and cultures. In meeting the objective ofMy question today is how many higher education
internationalization of their campuses, US colleges andinstitution located throughout the world are dealing with
universities have actively recruited students from allthese issues? Has your university successfully
areas of the world.integrated your foreign students into the mainstream of
It was a known fact that international students go toyour country's culture and education? The academic
the United States in search of more than an education.and cultural integration of international students is
They wish to hone their English language skills, tocongruent with the mission of most universities in
understand the American culture, and to developpromoting the educational development and the
friendships with US nationals. However for the mostprofessional and social skills of all students. The
part, foreign students fail to integrate into thesatisfaction of international students, their retention, their
mainstream of American higher education and manyprogress toward a degree, and their full human
return to their home countries without meeting theirdevelopment should be as much a concern to
academic or personal objectives. Of those who areeducators as those of their national students.
able to complete their academic programs, many doUniversities through their international services office
not enter into any meaningful participation in Americanare responsible for examining the experiences of
culture.international students on their campus, identifying what
International students in the US want to understand thehinders their adjustment and integration, and developing
American culture, their patterns of thinking andworkable strategies to help international students feel a
behavior, and to learn the cultural norms. Additionallystronger sense of involvement in the larger academic
they need for the university community to understandcommunity. Assessing and addressing the problems
and value the international students' cultures. Morethat international students experience will impact many
interaction with American students and families is aareas. It will aid not only in the internationalization of the
way to increase that type of learning.campus-as stated in the mission and goals of most
In recognizing its responsibility for the well-being ofuniversities-but it will expose domestic students to the
international students, American universities across thelife styles, values, and culture of people throughout the
nation have designed and implemented programs in anworld and thereby enrich their experience. It will also
effort to meet the students' personal needs andfoster goodwill between nations and will help all
academic objectives The programs included newstudents develop beneficial bonds for their personal
student and ongoing orientation, programs to pairlives and future careers.