The “Invisible” Group: Acculturation of International Women Partners on United States Campuses

Abstract

In a northeastern university, an “invisible” non-funded group has provided cross-cultural programs for international non-matriculated accompanying women partners for 30 years. This study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the acculturation experiences of group participants based on Berry’s acculturation theory. The findings highlight the significance of the type of group that facilitates better acculturation experiences on United States campuses. Recommendations are to create programs for international accompanying partners and sponsor such groups for continuing services.