Quality pastoral care is crucial for successful integration: A case study of school practices

International student numbers have risen considerably, resulting in an increase of qualified students wanting to migrate permanently. These activities have created, and will continue to create, an even more diverse society requiring a more prominent need for the integration of international students into host communities and schools to shape an environment that is congruent to the needs of all those involved. International students upon arrival to New Zealand, for instance, will face cultural and psychological change, conceptualized as the acculturation process. Accordingly, students are likely to develop a particular acculturation strategy, either separation, integration, marginalization or assimilation – dependent on how well they participate, or are invited to participate, in two essential issues: forming relationships with other groups in society and maintaining their heritage culture and identity. Research has shown that the individual acculturation strategy of integration will help international students adapt better to the various transitions they encounter in a new country as well as prove more beneficial for a host country embracing a multicultural society. In this study, data were collected from 131 international students and 24 teachers at an international school in New Zealand to investigate school practices affecting integration of international students. My analysis identified five areas of best practice, which will aid in policy realization and support integration: the homestay, the role of the teacher/tutor, group work, education and activities outside the classroom, and orientation. Many of these practices fall under the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 and evidence from this study suggests that pastoral care practices must be implemented at a high level and will require further improvement at micro and macro levels in New Zealand society in order to foster successful integration of international students.