The Relevance of Academic Hospitality: an Investigation of International Students’ Evaluation of Quality of Life in the American Universities

Abstract

With the dramatic increase of international students to the U.S. in recent years, many American universities have realized the importance of offering hospitality to these students. This study proposed the definition of academic hospitality from non-academic perspective, and further investigated international students' quality of life in the American universities from four factors of academic hospitality, including housing, food and beverage, transportation, and social activities. An online survey was conducted among international students at a major university in the Midwestern U.S. The results indicated that housing, transportation, and social activities have significant impacts on international students' quality of life, whereas food and beverage does not. This research provided suggestions for the college and universities in the U.S. to effectively improve non-academic services for the international students.