Shaping the future of a globalized world: A qualitative study of how undergraduate international students’ everyday cross-cultural experiences were impacted by university diversity initiatives

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how everyday cross-cultural interactions affected the adjustment of undergraduate international students attending a private university in the northeastern United States of America.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected primarily through interviews with nine international students and observations at “Eastern University”. Students were purposively selected to balance gender and world regions. Analysis used constant comparison until findings emerged, which were member-checked with study participants (Merriam, 2009).

Findings

Findings show that the impact of university diversity initiatives for promoting everyday cross-cultural interactions is described as creating an us/them divide, promoting solidarity and establishing a cultural presence. It is concluded that formal university events foster recognition of the campus diversity international students help provide, but their impact on everyday cross-cultural interactions is both positive and negative. Additionally, the mode by which undergraduate international students are introduced to their US campus affects their integration and future interaction patterns.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to explore higher education institutions (HEIs)’ connection to human resource development (HRD) for shaping the future global arena. Studies that address the continuum from higher education to the workforce are needed to prepare the next generation of professionals for a global world. This study is limited due to small sample size. Findings are not generalizable in a statistical sense, but HRD professionals in HEIs may compare the details in this study with their own institutions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the discussion of national HRD by addressing international students and their insights into how diversity programs impact adjustment in an American setting. Additionally, organizational and faculty development initiatives in academic institutions can be improved by understanding the insights found in this study.

Citation

Burkhardt, J. and Bennett, E.E. (2015), "Shaping the future of a globalized world: A qualitative study of how undergraduate international students’ everyday cross-cultural experiences were impacted by university diversity initiatives", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 39 No. 3, pp. 162-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-06-2014-0042