Late adolescent peer group formation in an international hotel school

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore group formation and the consequences of exclusion from peer groups amongst international students.Design/methodology/approachThree methods were used to collect relevant data: students' ongoing diaries, in‐depth discussions and observations. Behaviour traits were then quantified using group behavioural criteria of authors Paul and Elder and Allport. Graphs were drawn up to show behavioural, and therefore identity shift, between first‐ and fourth‐year students.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited in that the students' wider environment and its influences on wellbeing have not been considered. In order fully to identify international students' psychosocial needs this aspect needs to be approached.Originality/valueThis paper is of value to those that are interested in the psychosocial wellbeing of late adolescents and young adults when estranged from their natural environment. It is original in that little work has been undertaken on this subject.