Open AccessThe Self, the Other, and the International Student
Author(s) -
David StarrGlass
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of international students
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.47
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 2166-3750
pISSN - 2162-3104
DOI - 10.32674/jis.v6i1.572
Subject(s) - alienation , transformative learning , perspective (graphical) , value (mathematics) , social isolation , social psychology , isolation (microbiology) , psychology , international education , social alienation , sociology , higher education , pedagogy , political science , law , psychotherapist , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , artificial intelligence , machine learning , computer science
A sense of strangerhood, which is different from social isolation or cultural alienation, is common among many of the international students whom I encounter. In a world increasingly preoccupied with personal interaction and social exchange, many of these students perceive strangerhood as problematic and inherently negative. This brief reflection considers strangerhood from the perspective of Georg Simmel and argues that being a stranger has considerable positive value. Recognition of strangerhood is a critical element in developing a greater understanding of both the self and the Other. Legitimizing the experience of strangerhood, emphasizing its potential value, and empowering students to embrace it may provide significant short- and long-term benefits for international students in their personal and transformative journeys.