Journal of International Students
Volume 8, Issue 3, 2018, Pages 1386-1397

Leveraging common ground: Improving international and domestic students’ interaction through mutual engagement (Article)

Thomas V.F. , Ssendikaddiwa J.M. , Mroz M. , Lockyer K. , Kosarzova K. , Hanna C.
  • a Interfaith Centre, Simon Fraser University, Canada
  • b Simon Fraser University, Canada
  • c Simon Fraser University, Canada
  • d Simon Fraser University, Canada
  • e Simon Fraser University, Canada
  • f Simon Fraser University, Canada

Abstract

Leading institutional pedagogies and practices tend to approach increasing international student populations from a deficit-based model, which focuses on the adaptation, acculturation, and assimilation of international students to the dominant host culture. We believe a better approach to improve international and domestic students’ interaction is to move to models of mutual engagement. In this article, as practitioners, we explore four common grounds that seem to be producing positive engagements: common experience, cultural celebrations, faith, and common challenges, in which students are encouraged to meaningfully engage with each other as equals in a spirit of mutuality. The resulting discussion explores how each contributes to a culture of collaboration within institutional departments while improving and enriching the interactions between all students. © Journal of International Students.

Author Keywords

Collaboration Common grounds Mutuality Cross-cultural learning Engagement

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85048944046&doi=10.5281%2fzenodo.1254599&partnerID=40&md5=8098584b2e14ca50a0433117e99215db
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1254599
ISSN: 21623104
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English