International students and their social networking process in adjusting to the new environment: A case study on the international students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

摘要

This study examined the social networking process of international students in their off-campus adjustment to the new environment. Based on the integrative theoretical framework of environmental-human development, social support, and social network models, the study focuses on how international students form their social network. The purpose of the descriptive study is to help understand the process of developing supportive networks in students' transition to the new environment. This study also explored the factors facilitating or the barriers impeding the process of network building, how types of needs determine the kinds of social networks students develop, and how these networks help them meet these needs. Using the qualitative research method, a case-study on subjects from different countries of diverse cultural backgrounds were interviewed. Subjects were divided into categories of those with relatives, those with co-national groups and those without either of these groups. Another group of interest is those with families. This study also examined the subjects' change of network composition over time. The findings of the study substantiate a more theoretically grounded understanding of social networking and international student adjustment to the new environment. The study helps us to recognize the importance of social networking as a necessary component in helping people adjust during life transitions. The findings provide insightful information useful to international educators, practitioners, student services personnel, and international students and parents. The implication of the study calls for a change in higher education institutions' approach and outlook on policy-making and practices.