Framing Student Development Theory

This chapter takes a student development theory-based approach to supporting international students on U.S. campuses. The authors briefly trace the evolution of this body of theory with an emphasis on intersectionality of identities. They then examine international students’ development and how this may be influenced by their race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role of campus environment to promote and foster international student development and the actions that can be taken to create culturally relevant and responsive spaces to support whole student development.