One of the most common challenges universities face is ensuring that students—regardless of where they come from—feel part of a cohesive community. Often, international and domestic students move in separate social spheres, which can limit integration and heighten feelings of isolation, particularly for students arriving from abroad. Bringing these groups together not only breaks down cultural barriers but also enriches the university experience by allowing students to share resources, experiences, and mutual support.

Universities like Utrecht University, NHL Stenden, and Antwerp University recognized this gap and saw that while international students are often eager to study abroad, they can struggle with adapting to a new country and culture, which may increase anxiety and hesitation. Domestic students, too, benefit from expanding their social networks and interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds. To address this, these universities leveraged Goin’s platform to create a shared space where students can easily connect, regardless of their origins.

Integrated Community Approach

Goin’ provides universities with a platform where both international and domestic students can join the same community, participate in group discussions, and form meaningful connections before their studies even begin. Through Goin's AI-powered Findability feature, students can search for and connect with like-minded peers based on shared criteria like nationality, interests, campus location, or field of study.

Goin also promotes interaction through interest-based groups and gamification, encouraging students to initiate conversations that transform into lasting and enjoyable connections. This integrated approach enables students to engage on various topics, from academic preparation to social activities, making the transition to university life smoother and more engaging for all involved.

Benefits of Integrating International and Domestic Students

NHL Stenden

At NHL Stenden, 84% of students reported that Goin' helped reduce their anxiety about starting university. International students, in particular, felt reassured by speaking with local students, while domestic students appreciated the chance to build a global peer network. Interestingly, although domestic students felt confident about starting university, 98% indicated that Goin' alleviated their anxieties about making new friends.

By integrating both groups, NHL Stenden experienced a threefold increase in student engagement, with over 60,000 connections generated—an impressive jump compared to previous cycles. For university staff, this integration proved valuable as 82% of students expressed that Goin' helped them get answers they would typically need to ask university staff, effectively reducing administrative workload.

Utrecht University

At Utrecht University, creating a connected, supportive environment for students has been a priority. Goin’s community platform has allowed both international and domestic students to build networks that foster a sense of belonging. Through the platform, students have been able to engage on various topics and find connections that ease their transition into university life.

Interestingly, Utrecht’s domestic students have shown even higher average connections than their international peers. This trend highlights that integration benefits not only international students, who often face unique challenges in a new country, but also local students, who gain from diverse, multicultural interactions. The community platform has provided domestic students with an opportunity to expand their social circles, encouraging interactions that might not occur within a typical academic setting.

The impact has been profound: 88% of Utrecht students reported that using Goin increased their excitement about starting their studies, while 90% felt less anxious about transitioning to university. By integrating students through Goin, Utrecht University has created an environment where students feel supported and motivated from day one, leading to a stronger, more connected student body.

Antwerp University

At Antwerp University, where nearly 50% of the Goin community comprises domestic students, Goin has become a vital tool in promoting cultural exchange and social integration. Antwerp’s community data revealed a unique pattern: one out of every three connections domestic students make on the platform is with an international student. This high level of cross-cultural engagement demonstrates that Antwerp’s students—both international and domestic—are eager to build friendships that extend beyond their immediate academic circles.

Domestic students, in particular, have shown a high level of proactivity, sending 17% more connection requests than the platform’s average. This enthusiasm highlights the value domestic students find in the community, as they actively seek out diverse connections and new perspectives. For international students, this willingness from local students to connect provides an invaluable support system, helping them navigate academic and social life in Belgium.

A unified institution through community

Integrating international and domestic students isn’t just about creating a diverse environment—it’s about fostering a supportive, interconnected community that benefits everyone involved. Universities like Utrecht, NHL Stenden, and Antwerp are seeing firsthand how bridging local and international students creates a positive ripple effect across campus. From easing anxieties and enhancing the pre-arrival experience to building long-lasting friendships and boosting engagement, these communities provide a foundation for students to thrive academically and socially.

At Goin’, we’re dedicated to helping universities create these inclusive communities, making student life richer and more connected. If you’re interested in learning how other universities have successfully integrated domestic and international students or want to explore deeper insights on fostering a cohesive student body, schedule a meeting with us to discover how we can support your institution.

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