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Adaptation and international students' perceptions of on‐campus foodservice

Tanya Ruetzler (Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA)
Jim Taylor (Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA)
Jean Hertzman (William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)

British Food Journal

ISSN: 0007-070X

Article publication date: 19 October 2012

2024

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether length of time spent in the USA impacts perceptions of international students studying in US schools regarding the service and food quality of on‐campus foodservice operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers surveyed international students at one Southeastern and one Southwestern university in the USA regarding their perceptions of university foodservice, divided into six factors, i.e. service and sanitation, food dislikes, selection and taste, drinks, value, and crowding. A two‐way MANOVA test was performed using SPSS Version 17.0 to identify any significant differences between the six factors, time in the USA, and universities.

Findings

MANOVA testing indicated that there was a significant difference between length of time in the USA and the ratings of the service and sanitation factor. The group that had been in the USA for less than six months rated the service and sanitation factor higher than the group who had been in the USA for over a year.

Research limitation/implications

Campus administrators and food service operators need to consider that the interaction and socialization provided by the on‐campus dining experience may be an important step of the adaption process for international students.

Originality/value

The study applies theoretical concepts regarding service quality and adaptation that have not been used previously to study international students and their on‐campus foodservice preferences.

Keywords

Citation

Ruetzler, T., Taylor, J. and Hertzman, J. (2012), "Adaptation and international students' perceptions of on‐campus foodservice", British Food Journal, Vol. 114 No. 11, pp. 1599-1612. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070701211273081

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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