UNDERSTANDING THE INTEGRATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR MAURITIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

International students live and study in new cultural and social environments, where multiple factors influence their integration into higher education institutions. In today’s information age, characterized by global connectivity and access to abundant resources, understanding the behavioural dynamics of international students has become increasingly important. This conceptual study, situated in the Mauritian higher education context, examines the key factors affecting international students’ integration and proposes a theoretical model grounded in Ward and Kennedy’s Acculturation Model (1999). The model identifies four major challenges that may impede international students’ adjustment: sociocultural, psychological, language, and financial challenges. Theoretically, this study contributes by integrating the literature on international student experiences with Acculturation Theory to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding their adaptation processes. Practically, it offers valuable insights for policymakers and higher education institutions in Mauritius to enhance international students’ social and academic integration. To further strengthen the study, a small bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer has been conducted. This analysis examines keyword co-occurrences and citation patterns in the international student literature, identifying central themes, emerging trends, and key contributing countries. The study is particularly relevant as the Mauritian government, through its 2025–2026 National Budget, announced significant investment in the “Study Mauritius” brand to establish the country as a regional higher education hub. This initiative aims to attract students from Africa, Asia, and beyond, as part of a broader strategy for economic diversification in the post-pandemic era. With international branch campuses such as Middlesex University, Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas, and Curtin University already operating in Mauritius, the country provides an affordable yet globally recognized study destination, reinforcing its potential as an emerging hub for international higher education.