“We’re Building Our Little International Community”: A University-Sponsored Program for International Students

Abstract

Intercultural competence is an outcome of the internationalization of higher education institutions, directly impacting international students’ experiences in the receiving country. An exploratory case study was used to investigate the perceptions and experiences of participants of a university-sponsored program designed to integrate and acculturate international students in a Southwest Florida university. The participants were six newly arrived international students and eight student-ambassadors. Multiple data sources were collected and analyzed using content analysis. Findings reveal the importance of student-led initiatives in fostering campus inclusion and community-building, as well as enhancing cross-cultural interactions. Yet, significant challenges persist in sustaining engagement and bridging cultural divides between domestic and international students. Additionally, the study’s findings highlight the importance and challenges of university programs in facilitating meaningful exchanges between these groups, underscoring the need of institutional support in improving the experiences of international students in higher education settings.