The Impact of Residence Halls on International Students’ Sense of Belonging in Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs).

• In Event: Belonging and inclusion in higher education: Students' experiences at home and abroad (I)

Proposal

The enrollment of international students in American Higher Education has been on the rise in recent years. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), there was a 15% increase in international student enrollment between 2013 and 2014 (IIE,2015). As of 2022, the total number of international students enrolled in U.S. colleges is 948,519, which accounts for 4.7% of the total U.S. enrollment. The presence of international students significantly impacts the student housing market in the US. This figure indicates that international residents constitute a minority within the population of the residence hall. Therefore, it is essential to understand the experiences of international students living in PWIs and how their presence affects the campus community. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of how to support and enhance the experiences of international students in American Higher Education. Little is known about the total number of international students occupying residence halls in Predominantly White Institutions.
The paper discussed the challenges international students face in residence halls and used Tinto’s (1993) model of integration to provide support systems to help residence halls and international students. It reviewed the strategies adopted by residence halls in PWIs to help build their sense of belonging by focusing on three key areas; housing assignment, first-seven-weeks programming, and the residential curriculum, and suggested possible ways to address the gap in supporting international students' sense of belonging without fully adopting Tinto's (1993) model of integration. The paper explored the benefits of randomly assigning international students to residence halls, which can enhance their interactions with peers and improve their overall residential experience.
This proposal seeks to explore the challenges international students face while living in residence halls at PWIs and how residence life support their stay in the halls. By reviewing these challenges and opportunities the paper aims to offer insights that can inform student affairs professionals, institutions, and policy makers in developing and adopting effective strategies to enhance the academic and social experiences of international students in the residence hall.

Objectives:
To identify the challenges international students face in the residence halls at Predominantly White Institutions
To review the strategies residence halls in PWIs adopt to help build international student’s sense of belonging.
To provide recommendations for institutions and policy makers to address the gap in supporting international students’ sense of belonging.

Questions addressed:
What are the factors that prevent international students from engaging meaningfully in residential activities?
What efforts have been made by residence hall professionals towards increasing international students’ sense of belonging in PWIs?
How can the gap be addressed by residence halls?

Literature review:
International students are a key demographic for the student housing market in the U.S. Therefore, it is essential to understand the experiences of international students living in PWIs and how their presence affects the campus community. The literature focused on the experiences of international students residing in predominantly white institutions. This paper delved into the various challenges these students encounter in residence halls, while also exploring the strategies implemented by these institutions to foster a sense of belonging. Specifically, it focused on three key areas: housing assignment, first-seven-weeks programming, and the residential curriculum. Additionally, this paper proposed alternative approaches to bridge the gap in supporting international students' sense of belonging, without fully adopting Tinto's (1993) model of integration. Furthermore, it delved into the advantages of randomly assigning international students to residence halls, as it can facilitate meaningful interactions with peers and enhance their overall residential experience.

Methodology:
Living in residence halls at PWIs poses unique challenges for international students. The challenges identified included cultural differences, language barriers, feelings of isolation, and stereotypes. By understanding these obstacles, we developed effective strategies to enhance the overall experience and well-being of international students.
The main approach employed in this study involved conducting a literature review and using Tinto’s (1993) model. The study aims to investigate the key obstacles faced by international students in PWIs within residential communities, how residence halls in PWIs influence the sense of belonging among international students and seek to explore the strategies implemented by residence halls in PWIs to minimize these challenges.

Conclusion:
This proposal aims to investigate the various factors that hinder international students in PWIs from actively engaging in residential activities. It has the potential to enhance the engagement and success of international students in the residence hall. This paper will provide valuable insights into the areas where residence life can offer support and assistance.
Furthermore, this proposal aims to explore the various ways in which residence life can support international students. By analyzing existing programs, policies, and resources, we can identify areas for improvement and develop new initiatives tailored to the unique needs of international students and the residence halls. These initiatives may include involving international students in event planning, extending the period of orientation for international students, and providing international students with mentors in the residence halls.
The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on international student experiences in residence halls at PWIs. It will also provide practical recommendations for residence life professionals, administrators, and policymakers to enhance the support and services offered to international students.

Author

• Francisca Owusu, Ohio University