An Examination of Policy in Practice: A Case Study of Inclusionary Internationalization

Abstract

This article focuses on the perceptions of institutional practices and practices to nurture greater cross-cultural learning and inclusion by highlighting findings from an in-depth qualitative case study conducted at a prominent Canadian research university with a stellar reputation for recruiting and providing an inclusive environment for international students. Using a conceptual framework drawn from institutional diversity theory, this study examines perceptions by students, faculty, and staff of institutional practices and strategies aimed at nurturing inclusion for international students in order to glean insight about whether this institution is perceived to embody its espoused value of inclusive internationalization. The findings demonstrate that when internationalization is upheld as a core value of an institution, that value can be witnessed in the artefacts and rhetoric of an institution. While the rhetoric may influence the creation of additional services to support international students and faculty, it is limiting in its ability to produce inclusive environments, especially for populations of colour. The implications of these findings are discussed.