ERIC Number: EJ1056464
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2162-3104
EISSN: N/A
The Role of Volunteerism on Social Integration and Adaptation of African Students at a Mid-Western University in the United States
Manguvo, Angellar; Whitney, Stephen; Chareka, Ottilia
Journal of International Students, v3 n2 p117-128 2013
This study examined the role of volunteer experiences on Black African international students' social integration and adaptation at a predominantly White Mid-Western university in the United States. The study explores micro-level interactions and relationships fostered during volunteering as well as feelings of inclusion/exclusion and personal satisfaction. Thirteen participants who had volunteered in services that required substantial interactions were interviewed. Four themes on the positive influence of volunteering on social integration and adaptation were identified, namely; fostering of feelings of inclusion and belonging, enhancement of social cohesion of diverse people, fostering of feelings of self-validation, and attainment of social, cultural, and human capital. However, other participants in this study felt inadequate, alienated, and devaluated during the volunteer process. Fear of not being understood, feelings of incompetence, and the cumbersome bureaucratic process in the application process deterred some participants from volunteering with some services. The authors conclude by providing recommendations for international students in general, institutions of higher learning, and volunteer agencies.
Descriptors: Social Integration, Student Adjustment, Volunteers, Student Participation, Interviews, College Students, Foreign Students, Blacks, Whites, Educational Environment, Interaction, Interpersonal Relationship, Social Isolation, Self Concept, Social Capital, Cultural Capital, Human Capital, Barriers
Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jistudents.submission@gmail.com; Web site: http://jistudents.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A