Enhancing support for student diversity through research

Abstract

Based on a longitudinal study of freshman students attending a private college in the northeast section of the Unites States, the paper demonstrates how institutional research can promote an enlightened global perspective by enhancing understanding of international students’ characteristics, values and aspirations. Results revealed that, compared with domestic students, international students had lower verbal aptitude scores; rated themselves higher on spirituality and understanding of others; put more emphasis on gaining a general education; and were more committed to developing a meaningful philosophy of life, helping others and promoting racial understanding. Policy recommendations advocated designing admission strategies to reflect international students’ values; providing language support programmes; and developing programmes for students to learn to appreciate the values and customs of international students’ countries.