International Students on Campus: Cultural Difference and Internationalisation Policy and Practice

Abstract

This chapter call for higher education institutions and administrators to develop more effective internationalisation policy and management procedures to support international student adaptation. For many international students, fitting in to their new learning environment and developing intercultural relations are significant challenges. The chapter examines how local and international students’ cultural capital and expectations can influence intercultural understandings and practices. It argues for new policy, management and teaching approaches that reflect value in building understanding of cultural diversity and which address the cultural and academic expectations of international students and their families. The chapter uses, as an example, students from Confucian heritage societies studying in Hong Kong. However, the recommended approaches can be adapted to students from different cultural backgrounds.