The international student experience: a qualitative study of intergroup relations in an Irish Institute of Technology

However, in order for internationalisation’s socially transformative potential to be realised, the formation of positive intergroup relations is a prerequisite; yet much of the existing research into intergroup relations tends to take a quantitative perspective and accordingly has been widely critiqued for failing to elucidate the true nature of the relationships between international and local students.<br><br>Through a review of policy documentation, in-depth interviews with staff and small group interviews with students, this thesis provided an understanding of how intergroup relations were constructed and maintained in an Irish HE institute.

Ireland is an interesting and novel setting in which to explore internationalisation largely due to its relatively recent experience of hosting non-native Irish student groups, coupled with its relatively limited (and recent) experience of multiculturalism. Furthermore, the site of the research, an Irish Institute of Technology, where often the enrolment catchment area is the immediate locality, has only limited and recent experience with diverse student groups, particularly newcomer students.<br><br>Findings reveal only limited evidence of positive intergroup contact.