The academic integration of international students at an Italian university: exploring communication channels, feeling of belonging and social support

Abstract

Language barriers, sociocultural barriers and academic adjustment are some of the main factors affecting international students’ experience in foreign universities. Focusing on the Italian context, the present study aims to evaluate to which extent the language anxiety, the perceived practical-emotional support of local or foreign peers, the perceived effectiveness institutional communication, and communication channel used affect international students’ feeling of belonging and academic performance. Data were collected with 185 international students from the largest university in Rome, using an anonymous online questionnaire. Results show that language anxiety levels affect with academic success; also, the support received by local students, the emotional support received by international students, and the effectiveness of information provided by the university affect the feeling of belonging to the university. Practical support received by other international negatively affect feeling of belonging. Age, gender also have significant effects in this context. These findings encourage institution to actively pursue the integration of international students with the local students and community, enhancing individual skills and opportunities for socialization with host and international students.