Cover not available

Article In: Study Abroad Research in Second Language Acquisition and International Education: Online-First Articles

How can volunteering be a pathway to integration?

A qualitative study on international students

ORCiD logo with link | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
 | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
 | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
 | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
 | The Maria Grzegorzewska University
 | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
 | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
Thirteen degree-seeking international students enrolled at a large private university in Italy participated in semi-structured interviews to investigate how volunteer experiences can help international students to better integrate socially. Data analysis was informed by the three stages of the volunteer process model: antecedents, experiences, and outcomes. The results suggest that students who identified with the role of volunteers and had prior volunteering experience were more likely to overcome barriers such as limited proficiency in the local language and a lack of connections and knowledge of volunteering opportunities in the host country. Students who interacted with other volunteers and community members described their service as highly formative in terms of language acquisition, cultural understanding, and achieving more profound integration with the new social and cultural environment. Higher education institutions could collaborate with community organizations to provide students with the best possible volunteering environment, connecting their internationalization and social responsibility agendas.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Volunteering among young people and mobile groups
    • 1.2A theoretical model of volunteering: The volunteer process model
    • 1.3Study context
  • 2.Aims
  • 3.Methods
    • 3.1Sampling and participants
    • 3.2Data collection
    • 3.3Researcher positionality and reflexivity
    • 3.4Data analysis
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1Antecedents to volunteering
      • 4.1.1Prior experience with volunteering and motives to volunteer
      • 4.1.2The process of searching for volunteer service
    • 4.2Experiences of volunteering
      • 4.2.1Exposure to the local culture and language
      • 4.2.2Barriers to social and cultural engagement
    • 4.3Consequences of volunteering
      • 4.3.1Personal enrichment and adjustment to the new environment
      • 4.3.2Intercultural understanding and practice of the local language
      • 4.3.3Social integration and sense of belonging
  • 5.Discussion
    • 5.1Limitations and directions for future research
    • 5.2Implications for practice
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
References (64)
References
Aresi, G., Moore, S. C., & Marta, E. (2021). Youth mobility, mental health and risky behaviours. In D. Cairns (Ed.), The Palgrave handbook of youth mobility and educational migration (pp. 427–439). Palgrave Macmillan. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ascoli, U. (1987). Il volontariato in Italia: Tradizione e partecipazione attiva. Il Mulino.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Bowman, N., Brandenberger, J., Lapsley, D., Hill, P., & Quaranto, J. (2010). Serving in college, flourishing in adulthood: Does community engagement during the college Years predict adult well-being? Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 2(1), 14–34. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Brandenburg, U., de Wit, H., Jones, E., Leask, B., & Drobner, A. (2020). Internationalisation in higher education for society (IHES). Concept, current research and examples of good practice. DAAD. [URL]
Broggini, S., & Costa, F. (2017). A survey of English-medium instruction in Italian higher education. Journal of Immersion and Content-Based Language Education, 5(2), 238–264. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
CARITAS. (2024). XXXIII Rapporto Immigrazione 2024. Popoli in cammino. [URL]
Caudery, T., M. Petersen, M., & Shaw, P. (2008). The motivations of exchange students at scandinavian universities. In M. Byram & F. Dervin (Eds.), Students, staff and academic mobility in higher education (pp. 114–130). Cambridge Scholars.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cena, E., Burns, S., & Wilson, P. (2021). Sense of belonging and the intercultural and academic experiences among international students at a university in Northern Ireland. Journal of International Students, 11(4), 812–831. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Chao, X. (2016). Community service learning as critical curriculum: Promoting international students’ second language practices. Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, 13(4), 289–318. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cho, J., & Yu, H. S. (2015). Roles of university support for international students in the United States. Journal of Studies in International Education, 19(1), 11–27. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Clary, E. G., Snyder, M., Ridge, R. D., Copeland, J., Stukas, A. A., Haugen, J., & Miene, P. (1998). Understanding and assessing the motivations of volunteers: A functional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(6), 1516–1530. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Costa, F., & Coleman, J. A. (2013). A survey of English-medium instruction in Italian higher education. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 16(1), 3–19. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cruwys, T., Ng, N. W. K., Haslam, S. A., & Haslam, C. (2021). Identity continuity protects academic performance, retention, and life satisfaction among international students. Applied Psychology, 70(3), 931–954. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Curle, S. (2023). English-medium instruction practices in higher education: International perspectivesthe englishization of higher education in Europe. Applied Linguistics, 45(5), 944–948. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
de Wit, H. (2008). Changing dynamics in international student circulation: Meanings, push and pull factors, trends,and data. In P. Agarwal, M. Elmahdy Said, M. Sehoole, M. Sirozi, & H. de Wit (Eds.), The dynamics of international student circulation in a global context (pp. 15–46). Sense. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Dong, J., Wang, C.-H., & Shannon, D. (2024). Exploring heterogeneity of international students’ racial and native/non-native language backgrounds in learning engagement, cultural adjustment, social connections from QuantCrit perspective. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(5), 187–200. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Edwards, L. C. (2023). L2 learning and religious communities of practice in study abroad. Study Abroad Research in Second Language Acquisition and International Education, 8(1), 24–49. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
European Commission. (2017). Study on the impact of transnational volunteering through the European voluntary service. Publications Office of the European Union. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Fleischman, D., Raciti, M., & Lawley, M. A. (2014). A typology of international student community engagement. e-Journal of Business Education & Scholarship of Teaching, 8(1), 1–17.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Fleischman, D., Raciti, M., & Lawley, M. (2015). Degrees of co-creation: an exploratory study of perceptions of international students’ role in community engagement experiences. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 25(1), 85–103. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Furco, A., & Norvell, K. (2019). What is service learning? Making sense of the pedagogy and practice. In P. Aramburuzabala, L. McIlrath, & H. Opazo (Eds.), Embedding service learning in European higher education (pp. 13–35). Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Gale, N. K., Heath, G., Cameron, E., Rashid, S., & Redwood, S. (2013). Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 13(1). Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Geeraert, N., Demoulin, S., & Demes, K. A. (2014). Choose your (international) contacts wisely: A multilevel analysis on the impact of intergroup contact while living abroad. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 381, 86–96. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Grube, J. A., & Piliavin, J. A. (2000). Role identity, organizational experiences, and volunteer performance. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 26(9), 1108–1119. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Gu, Q., Schweisfurth, M., & Day, C. (2010). Learning and growing in a ‘foreign’ context: intercultural experiences of international students. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 40(1), 7–23. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Handy, F., & Greenspan, I. (2009). Immigrant volunteering: A stepping stone to integration? Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 38(6), 956–982. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hwang, E., Martirosyan, N. M., & Moore, G. W. (2016). A review of literature on adjustment issues of international students: Recommendations for future practices and research. In K. Bista & C. Foster (Eds.), Global perspectives and local challenges surrounding international student mobility (pp. 223–242). IGI Global. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Istad, F., Varpahovskis, E., Miezan, E., & Ayhan, K. J. (2021). Global Korea Scholarship students: Intention to stay in the host country to work or study after graduation. Politics & Policy, 49(6), 1323–1342. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
ISTAT. (2025). Volunteering in Italy — Year 2023. [URL]
Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence culture: Where old and new media collide. New York University Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Jones, E., Leask, B., Brandenburg, U., & de Wit, H. (2021). Global social responsibility and the internationalisation of higher education for society. Journal of Studies in International Education, 25(4), 330–347. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kang, H.-S. (2024). Learners’ beliefs about English language learning. Study Abroad Research in Second Language Acquisition and International Education, 9(1), 76–99. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kéri, A., Bulut Şahin, B., Voda, A. I., Chelishvili, A., Becker, A., Eriçok, B., Coşkun, B., Dangeni Apsite Berina, E., Gajek, E., Şenel Bingül, E., Chrančoková, M., Karadağ, N., Çulhaoğlu, Ö. G., Valls-Figuera, R., Rodriguez-Izquierdo, R. M., Okur, S., Erdoğan, Z., & Köylü, Z. (2026). Socio-cultural integration of international students in Europe: A systematic review. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 38(1), 138–166. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kim, K., Stokowski, S., Fridley, A., & Han, J. (2023). Analyzing the mediating effects of social capital and sense of community between international student’s college sports team identification and acculturation. Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, 16(2), 165–185. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kim, Y. Y., & Gudykunst, W. (2005). Theorizing about intercultural communication. Sage.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kuo, Y.-H. (2011). Language challenges faced by international graduate students in the United States. Journal of International Students, 1(2), 38–42. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kusek, W. A. (2015). Evaluating the struggles with international students and local community participation. Journal of International Students, 5(2), 121–131. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kwenani, D., & Yu, X. (2018). Maximizing international students’ service-learning and community engagement experience: A case study of student voices on the benefits and barriers. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 22(4), 29–52. [URL]
Malakouti, M., Abdallah, A. K., & Alkaabi, A. (2025). A path to resilience and social integration: motivations of international student volunteers during the COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan. Frontiers in Psychology, 161, 1–13. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Manguvo, A., Whitney, S., & Chareka, O. (2013). The role of volunteerism on social integration and adaptation of African students at a mid-western university in the United States. Journal of International Students, 3(2), 117–128. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Marta, E., Pozzi, M., & Marzana, D. (2010). Volunteers and ex-volunteers: Paths to civic engagement through volunteerism. Psykhe: Revista de la Escuela de Psicología, 19(2), 5–17. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Marzana, D., Damia, S. M., Marta, E., Pozzi, M., & Martínez, M. L. (2022). Engagement in migrant organizations for immigrant integration: A mixed-method study with Peruvians in Chile. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 23(4), 2125–2146. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Miller, J., Berkey, B., & Griffin, F. (2015). International students in American pathway programs: Learning English and culture through service-learning. Journal of International Students, 5(4), 334–352. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Nowakowska, I. (2023). “Don’t call it work”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of volunteer firefighting in young adults based on the volunteer process model. Voluntary Sector Review, 14(1), 127–154. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
O’Neil, D., Park, K., & Rodríguez-Fuentes, R. (2023). Social integration and campus internationalization through performing arts volunteerism. Journal of Studies in International Education, 27(3), 387–407. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Omoto, A. M., & Snyder, M. (1995). Sustained helping without obligation: Motivation, longevity of service, and perceived attitude change among AIDS volunteers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 68(4), 671–686. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2002). Considerations of community: The context and process of volunteerism. American Behavioral Scientist, 45(5), 846–867. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 42(5), 533–544. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Perez-Encinas, A., Rodriguez-Pomeda, J., & de Wit, H. (2021). Factors influencing student mobility: A comparative European study. Studies in Higher Education, 46(12), 2528–2541. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Perren, J., Grove, N., & Thornton, J. (2013). Three empowering curricular innovations for service-learning in ESL programs. TESOL Journal, 4(3), 463–486. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pozzi, M., Marzana, D., Marta, E., Vecina, M. L., & Aresi, G. (2021). Relationship closeness, habit and perceived subjective norms as predictors of volunteer role identity in school-based mentoring programmes. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 10(1), 17–30. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pozzi, M., Passini, S., Chayinska, M., Morselli, D., Ellena, A. M., Włodarczyk, A., & Pistoni, C. (2022). ‘Coming together to awaken our democracy’: Examining precursors of emergent social identity and collective action among activists and non-activists in the 2019–2020 ‘Chile despertó’ protests. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 32(5), 830–845. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Schoe, Y., Mol, C., & Buynsters, M. (2021). Contextual factors that enable and restrain social network formation of Dutch Erasmus+ students. Journal of International Students, 12(1), 141–155. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Snyder, M., & Omoto, A. M. (2000). Doing good for self and society: Volunteerism and the psychology of citizen participation. In M. Van Vought, M. Snyder, A. Tyber, & A. Biel (Eds.), Cooperation in modern society (pp. 105–120). Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2009). Who gets involved and why? The psychology of volunteerism: Principles, policies and practices. In E. Liu, M. J. Holosko, & T. W. Lo (Eds.), Youth empowerment and volunteerism: Principles, policies and practices (pp. 3–26). City University of Hong Kong Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Stukas, A., Hoye, R., Nicholson, M., Brown, K. M., & Aisbett, L. (2016). Motivations to volunteer and their associations with volunteers’ well-being. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 45(1), 112–132. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Tong, A., Sainsbury, P., & Craig, J. (2007). Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): A 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 19(6), 349–357. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Tran, L. T., & Pham, L. (2016). International students in transnational mobility: Intercultural connectedness with domestic and international peers, institutions and the wider community. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 46(4), 560–581. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Valencia-Forrester, F., & Backhaus, B. (2020). Service learning as supported, social learning for international students: An Australian case study. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 27(3), 403–417. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Van Mol, C., & Michielsen, J. (2015). The reconstruction of a social network abroad. An analysis of the interaction patterns of Erasmus students. Mobilities, 10(3), 423–444. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Wilson, J. (2012). Volunteerism research: A review essay. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 41(2), 176–212. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Yeh, C. J., & Inose, M. (2003). International students’ reported English fluency, social support satisfaction, and social connectedness as predictors of acculturative stress. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 16(1), 15–28. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Young, T. J., Sercombe, P. G., Sachdev, I., Naeb, R., & Schartner, A. (2013). Success factors for international postgraduate students’ adjustment: Exploring the roles of intercultural competence, language proficiency, social contact and social support. European Journal of Higher Education, 3(2), 151–171. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Yu, Y., & Moskal, M. (2019). Why do christian churches, and not universities, facilitate intercultural engagement for Chinese international students? International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 681, 1–12. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Mobile Menu Logo with link to supplementary files background Layer 1 prag Twitter_Logo_Blue