Cultural Adjustment of International Graduate Students in American Hospitality and Tourism Programs

Abstract

Cultural adjustment of international graduate students from three graduate programs in hospitality and tourism administration was examined. Students reported that most information about the program was provided by friends. They also noted that the programs had not provided adequate orientation to the university or the program Itself. Language differences were identified as a major problem in fulfillment of academic requirements and relationships with faculty, fellow students, and program administration. In preparation for expanding international enrollments, American hospitality and tourism programs must develop formal orientation processes to ease the adaptation of international students.