| dc.description.abstract | In today’s increasingly globalized world, the transition from a home country to a foreign one is an important milestone in a student’s life, regardless of his age. For many of them, it also marks their first time being away from their country, family, and friends for a longer period. This study explores how international students perceive and consequently experience their inclusion socially in an educational and multicultural environment, with a focus on the factors that could in turn elevate their integration. Using a qualitative research approach, data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 14 international students from 10 different nationalities, enrolled in a Norwegian university recruiting students from various backgrounds. The findings revealed nuanced insights into the students’ perception of their social inclusion, their various experiences and interactions with diverse cultures and their engagement within the university premises. Themes such as language barriers, cultures differences and personality or national characteristics appear as significant factors influencing social inclusion journeys; yet, two new factors such as the individual’s personal life and the university itself are also relevant and thus, discussed. The study underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, and to help promote this supportive environment. In addition, students’ practical recommendations towards their university should aid executives, teachers and co-workers to create or strengthen their policies; fostering social inclusion initiatives and supporting the diverse needs of foreign students in multicultural environments.
Keywords
Social Inclusion _ Diversity _ International Students _ Norway _ Communities _ Social Integration _ Multicultural Environment _ Higher Education | |
