2018 Volume 48 Pages 101-115
This research discussed challenges faced by a Japanese research university seeking to internationalize the campus environment. To identify the challenges, twenty-five international graduate students were interviewed, and qualitative data analysis was conducted to assess their perception of the campus climate regarding diversity.
Results showed that effective interpersonal interaction was crucial for students’ sense of equal participation in the learning community, which in turn influenced their perceptions of a positive campus climate. Faculty- and organizationallevel initiatives aimed at diversity management on campus fostered intercultural interactions among students, with either a direct or an indirect impact on international students’ feelings of acceptance within the learning community. Various factors such as language ability, course or program features, students’ cultures of origin, or strategies employed to deal with the dominant culture were identified as affecting the diversity of campus experience.
Discussions were undertaken regarding actions required to improve the campus environment to ensure that all students feel secure and supported.
