Supporting International Students in US Higher Education

Book excerpt: This book explores the integral role that student affairs professionals play in the success of international students at higher education institutions in the US. International student support has often been thought of as the principal responsibility of international student services offices, but research suggests that international student engagement in the broader university community, and support for them by all student affairs and services offices on campus, is closely tied to persistence and retention. The authors explore a student development theory-based approach to supporting the experience and success of international students from all facets of student affairs and services. The book explores practical and strategic implications of a more integrative approach to international student support both inside and outside of the classroom, while also utilizing a critical lens in applying models that were originally built for predominantly white institutions and US citizens.