The British host: just how welcoming are we?

Abstract

Successive studies of the international student experience have documented a lack of contact between host and visitor despite its value for language and cultural learning as well as satisfaction with the stay. In spite of the rise in international education, there is a lack of literature on the domestic student perspective. This article redresses the balance somewhat and reports on findings from a qualitative study of British student attitudes to the presence in large numbers of international students on their programme of postgraduate study. Contrary to previous research findings, domestic students are revealed to be empathetic, flexible and open to new cultures. This mindset was attributed by participants to their desire to work in an international industry. Nevertheless, a phenomenon of segregation is observed in both the home and international student communities, suggesting that cultural identification is the response to cultural diversity.