Saudi international students in Australia and intercultural engagement: A study of transitioning from a gender segregated culture to a mixed gender environment

This paper draws on a PhD study that explores the experience of Saudi international students in Australian institutions. The paper discusses how the gender segregation culture in Saudi Arabia may impact upon Saudi students' engagement within the Australian community. The research methodology utilized a phenomenological approach and data was generated from in-depth interviews. The findings from a pilot study are reported in this paper. The pilot involved interviews with two Saudi international students, male andfemale, who are studying at Australian universities. The preliminary analysis indicated that the Saudi culture of extreme gender segregation has impacted on the experience of these students, particularly in their ability to relate to their peers in d coeducational environment.