ISANA

Professor Colleen Ward

Abstract:   International education is a thriving industry, but relatively little is known about its
consequences for the social integration of international scholars in educational institutions or
the wider community. This paper reviews research on attitudes toward international students
as a key component of intercultural relations and a significant marker of social cohesion. An
organizational framework for the investigation of these attitudes is proposed with threat
mediating the influences of personal and situational factors on attitudinal outcomes and
contextual factors influencing the process of attitude development and maintenance. A model
derived from this framework is then tested with student, teacher and community samples. A
“tipping point” in attitudes toward international students as a function of the proportion of
international enrolments in educational institutions is also explored. Finally, the applicability
of the findings for promoting social cohesion in educational institutions and the wider
community is discussed.

Download Article