International students and everyday multiculturalism: Understanding students’ encounters within their local communities

Abstract

International students’ social transition experiences are often discussed and researched in relation to their experiences on campus and with fellow students. However, international study also involves interactions and connections within students’ local communities beyond formal campus spaces. This paper reports on findings from a recent DAAD-funded research study which focused on the ways international students experience multicultural encounters within their local German communities, using photo-elicitation interviews with 45 students and 6 international office leaders. The study uses a sociological framing of “everyday multiculturalism”, which considered the everyday lived experiences of encountering cultural differences in small, mundane ways throughout our daily lives. The paper concludes with suggestions for practice, reflecting on the ways that DAAD and university staff might embed more holistic supports for international students’ community experiences.