TASCA Global Shares Results from Survey of International Students Attending American Universities - Social Integration with American Students Is a Concern
Survey comes amidst notable decline in international student enrollment in US universities
BOSTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 1,000 international students in the U.S. responded to a survey developed by TASCA Global (http://www.tascaglobal.com/), a business consulting firm committed to building cultural agility. The "Voice of the International Student" survey focused on the quality of students' social integration on their respective campuses. TASCA Global maintains that a vibrant international community on campus prepares future leaders to succeed in an increasingly multinational and multicultural environment; the firm's products and services are carefully designed to help universities support and strengthen these communities.
"The challenge, especially today, is for universities to get ahead of the decline in international student applications before it becomes a detrimental trend," says Dr. Paula Caligiuri of TASCA Global. "Otherwise, the opportunities for cultural development will be limited, potentially eroding national security and our students' professional success as they compete in the global economy."
Based on the survey results, a major predictor of international students' success is their social integration, especially with American students. College is inherently stressful, but those adapting to an entirely new culture often experience an added struggle. For instance, fewer than half of survey respondents believed making friends with American students was easy, which partly accounts for why international students tend to form insular groups of fellow visiting students. Ultimately, students who failed to build cultural bridges were more likely to transfer elsewhere or form a negative experience of campus life.
As for individual school performance, the University of Southern California outpaced the field in terms of international student happiness, integration and retention — all indicators of a well-managed institution that prioritizes student welfare. According to TASCA Global, a diverse student body benefits every student. Domestic students are better prepared to contribute to a dynamic international economy, while international students return home with a positive impression of the U.S. and its people.
"By fostering integration," says Dr. Caligiuri, "we can mitigate international students' adjustment problems, improve their emotional well-being and, in turn, increase retention of our international students."
In 2017, Dr. Caligiuri piloted an intervention at Kent State University's College of Business Administration. Results from the intervention showed that training in conversation and culture can build a strong basis for international student integration and improved cultural agility for all students. TASCA Global encourages university administrators to reach out and learn more about how this and similar programs might be deployed within their own institutions.
About TASCA Global
TASCA Global is a leader in talent solutions for cultural agility. The firm blends leading research with tailored solutions, offering products and services that have been rigorously tested and proven to be effective. Proudly working with global organizations and universities around the world, TASCA Global's experienced consultants co-create solutions and test their effectiveness to ensure success.
Contact:
Paula Caligiuri, PhD
www.TASCAglobal.com
857-488-4410
[email protected]
SOURCE TASCA Global
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