INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH HOST NATIONAL STUDENTS

Research has found that international students expect and desire quality and quantity of social interaction with host national students as such interaction is generally associated with psychological, social and academic benefits for international students. The satisfaction derived from quality and quantity of social interaction between international students with host national students is also a significant player in institutional choice. This study reports the findings of a study involving undergraduate international students pursuing their first degrees in four higher institutions of learning. Using the quantitative methodology, a total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to international students with a return of about 318 questionnaires. Results showed that many international students desire quality and quantity of social interaction with host national students especially in the areas of their personal development and academic benefit. Focus group interviews revealed that the quality and quantity of social interaction with host national students were limited especially for international students from the Middle East. Suggestions are made to institutions of higher learning to expedite and enhance support services and activities for international students especially those that involve host national students.