The Effect of Westernization and Socialization on the Academic Integration Success of Non-­‐Traditional College Students From Kenya

Abstract

This study examined how westernization, socialization, and academic integration affects the academic outcomes of Kenyan international students at elite U.S. colleges. The subjects were 43 students from KenSAP, a program dedicated to helping academically talented, yet economically disadvantaged Kenyan youth gain admission to elite U.S. institutions. It was hypothesized that westernization and socialization are positively related to the academic outcomes of KenSAP scholars in college. The results suggest that international students who are more western and socially adept in foreign collegiate contexts are likely to have positive academic outcomes. The results also suggest that variables combined in tandem with socialization have the most significant influence on the academic outcomes of KenSAP scholars. Implications of this research could influence KenSAP to optimize their selection processes by selecting scholars who exhibit high degrees of westernization and socialization.