How Are International Students Supported? The Roles of Their Social Networks

• In Event: Significance of Social Networks and Capital in Student Life

Abstract

How to support international students at an institutional level is a question that cannot be answered without the understanding of international students’ support networks. Adopting the social capital theory and ego-centric network analysis method, this study provides a comprehensive view of international students’ support networks and identifies the unique effect of social contacts’ nationality and geographic location on providing support for international students. Network data was drawn from 53 international students at a four-year public research university in the US. The preliminary findings indicate that international students are more likely to receive support from their social contacts in the US. Specifically, they tend to obtain academic support from other internationals, life services from co-nationals and emotional support from Americans.

Author

• Xiaojie Li, University of Arizona
  Presenting Author