INFLUENCE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ON THE LOCAL STUDENTS’ LIFE EXPERIENCES

Abstract

This research explored the local students’ interaction with their international peers and investigated whether they consider the inclusion of international students has positively or negatively affected their education experiences. This study found that the local students were somewhat comfortable as they did not mind having international students on campus. They value the interactions that they had with the international students as they got to learn about different cultures and broaden their worldview. The local students revealed that they do face challenges in working in group activities or assignments with international students due to differences in English language abilities and attitudes towards the quality of work and time management. They also expressed interest and willingness to participate in university events or programmes that would enable them to socialise with the international students. They believe that universities should organize more events that would encourage interaction between local and international so they could form a stronger bond. It is recommended that strategies be put into place by both private and public universities to organize meaningful events or programmes that would foster greater understanding and appreciation of diversity on campus and promote a harmonious environment for a conducive multinational campus.