American Undergraduate Students' Social Experiences With Chinese International Students. Issue 4 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sato, Takahiro; Burge-Hall, Valerie; Matsumoto, Tsuyoshi
• Is Part Of: International journal of educational reform. Volume 29:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 370
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: conversational partnerships -- English as a second language -- international students -- undergraduate experiences -- social exchange; Educational change -- Periodicals; Educational change -- United States -- Periodicals; Education and state -- Periodicals; Education and state -- United States -- Periodicals; Education, Secondary -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 379
• DOI: 10.1177/1056787920927682
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2631-9675

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and explain American undergraduate students' social experiences interacting with non-native English-speaking Chinese international students during conversational practices at an American university. This study used an explanatory (holistic) multiple case study design (Yin, 2003) using in-depth, semistructured interviews grounded in the social exchange theory. The participants were seven American students (three men and four women) who served as conversation partners of Chinese international exchange students during each fall semester. Three major interrelated and complex themes emerged from the data. They were (a) developing social reward relationships, (b) proving the social norm information during the conversational partnerships, and (c) employing/utilizing strategies for developing trust relationships . The results of this study can be utilized to encourage faculty, global education office staff, and all students to respect, value, and embrace the languages and cultures of Chinese international students. This contribution can prompt a greater appreciation for diversity which leads to meaningful academic, athletic, and social experiences for all students at American college and university.