Walking through Brazos Park or the University Center food court, it’s uncommon to see a table shared by international and domestic students. While they exchange awkward stares, a tall, invisible barrier stands between the two groups.
Such diverse groups of students share the same classrooms and resources yet remain mostly strangers to each other. To bridge this gap, students should make more of an effort to engage with each other outside of the classroom.
In 2025, approximately 3,689 international students were enrolled at UTA, accounting for 8.6% of the total student body.
The lack of intercultural engagement is reflected in the latest Fraternity and Sorority Life community report. Out of 723 members, only 3.7% are international students.
A “core” aspect of social life at UTA, thus, is dominated by domestic Mavericks.
Other surveys display this cultural barrier across the whole United States. The 2024 International Student Survey shows that 47% of international students throughout the nation do not feel well integrated into campus culture. Additionally, 29% of them said they desire to seek support in this area.
Low engagement from international students may be largely due to their deep culture shock and the desire for familiarity. A study published by the International Journal of Health, Engineering and Technology on cultural shock syndromes in international students claims that students frequently report intense feelings of homesickness, expressing a profound longing for family and friends back home.
Those homesick students may confine themselves in their own cultural sanctuary, choosing to stick to those with similar cultural backgrounds.
On the other hand, the 2024 National Survey of Student Engagement at UTA has painted a promising yet contrasting picture. In the survey, 75% of the freshmen and 77% of the senior participants responded that they had discussions “very often” or “often” with “diverse others.”
However, the definition of “diverse others” does not solely refer to international students, but can also refer to domestic students of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, some of the discussions referred to in the survey may be limited to mandatory class activities.
UTA’s reputation as a commuter school is another factor that may contribute to this cultural barrier. With 90% of students living off campus, some commuting long distances, the avenues for their social interaction are very limited as they miss out on most of the events organized for cultural exchange.
One of the programs offered by the university is Global Grounds, hosted by the Office of International Education. It is a cultural gathering every Thursday at Palo Duro Lounge in the University Center. Students enjoy free chai and snacks while meeting Mavericks from different countries.
However, such administrative initiatives are only effective if students on both sides participate. Overcoming the cultural barrier starts with the students themselves.
Student organizations must revive their organizations and make them more inclusive of international students. At the same time, students should initiate more inclusive and diverse organizations, aimed at fostering better relationships with each other.
International students must step out of their comfort zones. Domestic students, on the other hand, should try to help international students feel that they belong at UTA.
Commuting may make it challenging, but students can always exchange numbers at the end of class or invite a classmate home over the weekend, giving them a chance to adapt to American culture. Simple acts of kindness like these may even allow students to find a lifelong friend from across the globe. Such student efforts would be a vital contribution to the creation of a stronger, more connected global community starting right here at UTA.