Chapter 23: Providing a Culturally Responsive Experience for Foreign Students in U.S. Higher Education

Due to globalization and an increased need for a high quality education, the number of individuals attending higher education in foreign countries continues to grow (McLachlan & Justice, 2009). International students have indicated their preference to study in the U.S. because of scholarship availability, quality of education and technological advancement, availability of appropriate educational and advanced research facilities, congenial political, socioeconomic environment, and opportunity for general international life experience (Altbach, 1985). Thus, the United States has been the leading host country of international students from all over the world since 1940 (Institute of International Education [IIE], 2010). In fact, the number of foreign students who attended colleges and universities in the U.S. during the 2008–2009 academic year reached an all-time high of 671,616, an increase of 8% from the previous year and the largest increase since 1980 (Open Doors, 2009).