| The present study used a life-story interview, and a thematic analysis to explore how cultural values of the international student affect anxiety levels in different group settings. Thirteen Asian, Christian international students were interviewed including 8 females and 5 males with a mean age of 24. Three clusters of participants were identified: those who attended national schools (NSS), international schools (ISS), and third culture kids (TCK). Results identified experiences of participants during pre-encounter (before coming to the U.S.), encounter (while in the U.S.), and evaluation phases (reflections upon time in the U.S.). International students with different levels of westernization during their upbringing reported differences in their definition of the in-group/out-group, adherence to cultural values, experiences of anxiety, and responses to the in-group/out-group. Findings can be used to better understand the needs of Christian international students in order to better equip campus services to meet the needs of this population. |
