University Support for International Students: A Critical Discourse Analysis of International Students Office Websites

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Study Abroad: The International Experience

Abstract

International students increase the diversity of student populations, bring in new perspectives in academics, promote intercultural awareness, help prepare American students for global competence which often leads to longer term international relations and economic benefits, and contribute to technological and social developments after graduation. However, international students are experiencing an uneasy life. Few have studied organizational support specifically for international students. We utilized a framework of critical discourse analysis to analyze the organization support of 10 U.S. universities for their international students via international student office websites. We found that despite the emergence of some culturally inclusive support, most universities provided limited support and services. We argue that university support is insufficient for the promotion of intercultural awareness.

Authors

• Xinxin Wang, Fudan University

• Wenyang Sun, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill