Exploring the Experiences of International Students' Partners

Abstract

The authors in this chapter aim to provide a beginning understanding of the unique experiences and challenges that partners of international students face when accompanying international students to post-secondary institutions. As enrollment of international students has steadily increased worldwide, institutions are beginning to recognize the necessity of extending services and programming to partners. With the difficulties of adjusting to a new country and culture, partners may provide a valuable source of social support. There are, however, additional unique difficulties for partners, including: lack of English proficiency, social disconnection, loss of identity, and many more. This chapter will provide an introduction to the importance of examining this population, historical background, general experiences of the partners, most current research, recommendations for services, policies and practices, and conclude with specific areas of further research. It is the hope of the authors to provide visibility for an often forgotten and invisible population.