Should I ask current international students whether they feel included?
Yes, if possible, asking current international students directly can be useful. However, experiences differ by nationality, year of study, faculty, classes, and personal relationships, so one student’s answer should not be treated as representative. Keep participation voluntary, avoid questions that feel intrusive, and compare several students’ views with the university’s official information.
Key points
- Ask not only whether students feel included, but also about classes, friendships, support contacts, and extracurricular activities.
- Do not generalize from one experience; if possible, speak with students from different years or academic areas.
- Respect students’ choice not to answer and consider ways to avoid identifying them.
- Cross-check student perspectives against official information for the university, faculty, or program.
Things to check
- The students who are available or introduced to you may not represent the wider international student population.
- Support and student-life conditions can differ by university, faculty, program, and academic year, so check the relevant official information as well.