Abstract

The current investigation attempted to understand the lack of integration between international and host country national students by examining intercultural friendship initiation between American and international students. Undergraduate students participated in four focus groups, after which their conversations were transcribed and analyzed. The findings revealed that language differences and inability to connect are the main barriers to friendship initiation between the two groups. The underlying factors that influenced successful friendships were interests in foreign affairs and perceived similarities. Pedagogical implications are addressed with regards to how instructors can encourage and facilitate international and host country national students friendship initiation.

Key words: Intercultural friendship; Pedagogical strategies; Friendship initiation; Intergroup contact theory, International students