Email Use among International Students in a U.S. University

Dr. Minghui Gao; Ms. Hongli Zhao; Dr. Mark McJunkin

doi:10.31686/ijier.vol3.iss12.493

Authors

Dr. Minghui Gao Arkansas State University, USA
Ms. Hongli Zhao Arkansas State University, USA
Dr. Mark McJunkin Arkansas State University, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol3.iss12.493

Keywords:

International students, email use, interpersonal communication, relationship maintenance

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics of email use among international students studying in a U.S. institution of higher learning. 130 international students were interviewed, and interview data were analyzed by taking the thematic analytical approach. Email has become the most frequently used interpersonal communication medium among international students studying in U.S. colleges. Email is more likely to be used to communicate with professors, classmates, and general friends, while phone calls and particularly free Internet phone calls or instant messaging APPs are more likely to be used in communications with parents, close friends, and important others.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Minghui Gao, Arkansas State University, USA

Department of Teacher Education
Ms. Hongli Zhao, Arkansas State University, USA

College of Media and Communication
Dr. Mark McJunkin, Arkansas State University, USA

Department of Teacher Education

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