Physical Environment as Servicescape: Increasing International Students’ Participation in Campus Recreation Programs and Services

Abstract

International student presence on U.S. college campuses is increasing. These students face personal and professional challenges navigating higher education when studying abroad. Active recreation participation may lessen these challenges. However, campus recreation participation rates among international students remain low. Researchers applied the servicescape concept in campus recreation to understand its impact on international graduate students’ recreation participation rates, and proposed recommendations for improvement. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological design, researchers conducted semistructured interviews with 10 international graduate students at a major U.S. public institution. Results revealed the presence of social servicescape, student integration into the campus community, cultivation of inclusion, and the importance of professional staff demonstrating intentionality when marketing to international students. Findings highlighted values of improving campus recreation environments to support international students and provided insights to enhance programming efforts. Servicescape influences campus recreation participation, enriches the overall campus experience for international students, and fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment.