Social Integration and Campus Internationalization Through Performing Arts Volunteerism

Abstract

In this paper, a case is made that campus internationalization and the social integration of both domestic and international students may be fostered through volunteerism. This argument is supported by data from a survey (n = 122) of a performing arts volunteer organization at a large Midwestern public university. The survey examines the national diversity of the organization, its inclusion practices, and student perceptions of their own cross-national interactions. The results are augmented by participant-observation data from an international graduate student volunteer. Discussion includes a consideration of respondent satisfaction with the organization's diversity and inclusion practices, as well as their experience socializing and making friends while volunteering. It is worth identifying successful organizations such as the one described in this paper because the defining factor for success may depend on specific attitudes and practices.