The relevance of academic hospitality: An investigation of international higher education students' evaluation of quality of life in the U.S

This study was conducted to investigate the quality of life among international students in higher education institutes in the United States and the factors that influence their lives. Four aspects were employed to explore non-academic life, including housing; food and beverage; transportation; and social activities. An online survey sent to Iowa State University international students was used in data collection. Linear regression analysis was used to test the relationships between each of the four factors and international students' quality of life. The results indicated that housing, transportation, and social activities have significant impact on international students' quality of life, whereas food and beverage did not. This research is the first attempt to utilize quality of life to investigate the non-academic life aspects of international students. Suggestions were provided to improve the quality of life of international students in colleges and universities in the United States.