Universities’ outreach to international students has become an important – even vital – aspect of today’s academic reality. It expands options for students globally, creates diversity and internationalization on campus, and adds relevant revenue streams to a university striving to be the best in class.
With it come issues of integration and belongingness to ensure long-term success and retention, all within a competitive landscape and market, trying to attract the best and brightest from abroad. Many institutions have come up with a variety of ways to increase students’ integration and sense of belonging with social activities around campus, thorough orientation to the campus and local culture, host families and/or buddy connections.