Exploring cultures and expanding horizons: the international experience of the students crossing borders community.

Abstract

This case study examines the experiences of international and U.S. domestic students living in an international residence hall. In-depth interviews with ten students and two staff combined with participant observation determined what events led to meaningful interaction between domestic and international students, and how students’ perspectives on the influence of culture on their worldviews transformed. In addition to qualitative methods, a grounded survey was administered incorporating data from the interviews and participant observation. In alignment with contact theory and transformative learning, residents reported increased comfort with cultural difference and knowledge of other cultures through friendships formed on the hall. The findings of this study offer insight for staff and administrators of international residence halls in creating an environment that increases students’ ability to understand other worldviews and develop cross-cultural skills.