Beyond Recruitment: Comparing Experiences of Climate and Diversity between International Students and Domestic Students of Color in U.S. Urban Planning Programs

Abstract

American universities are becoming globalized in curriculum and enrollment and benefit from international students who contribute to diversity. As the share of international students in planning programs has risen, little is known about their experiences beyond recruitment and how experiences as a “minoritized” group compare to domestic students of color. We report findings from interviews with graduate students in U.S. planning programs and compare international student experiences and perceptions with domestic students of color. We recommend ways that programs can improve international student retention and support the diversity of experiences that these students bring to U.S. planning programs.