Creating a Virtual Learning Community to Engage International Students

In recognition of the continued increase in cultural diversity in graduate tourism and hospitality programs, this study promotes the creation of a virtual learning community to engage international students in the learning process. The study adopted a mixed methods approach to investigate the influence of online discussion forums in the attainment of learning outcomes for international students. Data were collected from commencing international graduate students enrolled in an Australian tourism and hospitality marketing course. The qualitative phase consisted of 99 written student reflections regarding students' use of an online discussion forum; the reflections were content analyzed, allowing for the identification of relevant themes. The quantitative phase consisted of an online discussion forum participation survey (n = 73). The results of the study suggest that international students, particularly non-native-speaking students, welcome the opportunity to engage in a learning community that reduces cultural and language barriers. Increased exposure to and familiarity with such nontraditional forms of instruction are seen as enablers of positive learning experiences for international students when studying abroad.