Let’s Talk About AI: Analyzing International Students’ Narratives on Reddit

• In Event: Investigating Generative AI Use and Integration in International Contexts: Opportunities, Challenges, and Insights

Abstract

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education in unprecedented ways, as students increasingly turn to it as an authoritative source of academic support, often regarding it as a comprehensive repository of knowledge (Fan et al., 2021). This is especially true for international students. International students often face many challenges that may hinder their academic success. According to Arslan et al. (2025), international students turn to GenAI tools for academic support, using them to facilitate learning, complete assignments, and support academic writing. Recent research suggests that while AI tools can support international students by tailoring learning to individual needs (Wang et al., 2023), their use also raises important questions around ethics, academic integrity, and equitable access. Understanding international students' experiences using AI in natural settings is essential to ensure their learning needs are met and to help institutions provide appropriate guidance, support, and usage parameters in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in higher education. Despite the many research studies that have investigated international students’ perception and use of AI, there is still limited research on capturing the dynamic conversation in social media spaces, especially unique anonymous sites such as Reddit (Arsalan et al., 2025).

This study explores how international students actively engage with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by analyzing peer-driven conversations on Reddit. The research focuses on the r/InternationalStudents subreddit, a community of over 19,000 members, and selects posts related to AI from the past year that have attracted at least five comments. A total of 11 posts and over 300 comments were included to ensure both relevance and community engagement. The theoretical framework draws on constructivist perspectives, emphasizing how knowledge and practices around AI are shaped through shared digital experiences (Mascolo & Fischer, 2005). This study follows a qualitative research design by Creswell (2013). Following this approach, qualitative data were collected through purposive sampling of discussion threads related to AI tools. Using an inductive thematic analysis, the study began with open reading and note-taking, followed by iterative coding to identify recurring themes. Rather than focusing on quantifying usage, the study aims to interpret how students discuss, adopt, and negotiate AI technologies as part of their educational journeys. Preliminary findings reveal several emerging themes, such as academic support with assignments, job searching, language assistance, school adjustment, visa-related concerns, and academic integrity. As a matter of fact, the Visa concern was the most commented theme with more than 80 comments discussing concerns on how AI is being used to identify international students.

By analyzing posts and comments from Reddit pages related to AI and international students, our preliminary findings offer valuable insights into the diverse experiences and needs of these students. Hence, the study provides recommendations that can guide higher education institutions in leveraging AI ethically and inclusively, ensuring that these technological advancements are accessible and beneficial to international students in the academic landscape.

Authors

• Samaa Haniya, Pepperdine University

• Carolyn Musyimi-Kamau, Pepperdine University