Foreign University Students’ Image of the United States of America

Author

Austra P. Balks, Western Michigan University

Date of Award

8-1966

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

First Advisor

Dr. George G. Mallinson

Second Advisor

Jacqueline V. Mallinson

Third Advisor

Dr. Kenneth Engle

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Milton Greenberg

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Observations

As a foreign-born student this writer has been exposed to differing views about the United States of America, particularly with respect to its ideological background and some facets to its culture. Many of these views have not corresponded with facts observed about life in the United States, as revealed to the writer after she had resided in this country for a time. Among fellow immigrants, this writer stated that the longer one lived in the United States one's attitude became more understanding and positive toward the United States.

The writer had observed earlier that in many respects the basic image of the United States at foreign universities did not correspond with facts about the United States. Since foreign universities are the training centers for future leaders in these countries this situation has many negative ramifications. A possible relationship between knowledge about life in, and attitudes towards, the United States was revealed in a research study¹ conducted by this writer for the graduate class in Introduction to Research at Western Michigan University during the Spring of 1965. Among the more significant findings were these:

a. Foreign students react more positively to the United States the longer they have been there.

b. Students coming from countries with cultures similar to those of the United States (e.g. Canada, Germany) are more able to accept the United States. Students coming for the Far East and Africa have more difficulties in this respect.

From this limited pilot study and previous observations the importance of an accurate image of the United States in foreign universities became apparent, the impact might result in governmental efforts to establish better relationships.

In an attempt to determine whether the writer's views were supported by others, an extensive search of the literature was undertaken. Some of the findings of this effort are reported in the following section.

Recommended Citation

Balks, Austra P., "Foreign University Students’ Image of the United States of America" (1966). Masters Theses. 3849.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3849