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Investigating Attitudes Toward International Students: Program and Policy Implications for Social Integration and International Education
Author(s) -
Ward Colleen,
Masgoret AnneMarie,
Gezentsvey Michelle
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
social issues and policy review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.798
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1751-2409
pISSN - 1751-2395
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-2409.2009.01011.x
Subject(s) - thriving , cohesion (chemistry) , situational ethics , public relations , international education , psychology , social integration , social psychology , sociology , higher education , political science , pedagogy , social science , chemistry , organic chemistry , anthropology , law
International education is a thriving industry, but relatively little is known about its consequences for the social integration of international scholars in educational institutions or the wider community. This article reviews research on attitudes toward international students as a key component of intercultural relations and a significant marker of social cohesion. An organizational framework for the investigation of these attitudes is proposed with threat mediating the influences of personal and situational factors on attitudinal outcomes. Broader contextual factors are also seen to exert influence on the process of attitude development and maintenance. A model derived from this framework is then tested with student, teacher, and community samples. A “tipping point” in attitudes toward international students as a function of the proportion of international enrolments in educational institutions is also explored. Finally, the applicability of the findings for promoting social cohesion in educational institutions and the wider community is discussed.