Campus Integration in a Multicultural Context: International Students' Perceptions of Educational Equity and the Construction of Support Systems

Abstract

Rapid growth in international students' admission over the past two decades has led to an increasing degree of multiculture at most universities. However, there has been no proportional increase in the fairness of educational experience for overseas students based on quantitative growth in their mobility. Academic support, social integration and access to institutions' resources remain persistent deficiencies for international students compared with domestic students. Based on publicly available data from the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as according to Berry's acculturation model, Bourdieu's cultural capital theory and Tinto's student integration theory, etc., this study explores how overseas students experience educational equity in a diverse campus environment. Key indicators of equity perceptions cover access to resources, the effectiveness of utilisation and results thereof. The Results reveal that there is an inherent need within the system of institutions, programs and policy to achieve structural Change.