Cracking the Cultural Code: Understanding the Cultural Barriers for International CS Students in the US

In computer science, cultural assumptions are embedded in programming languages and problem prompts. This paper investigates the impact of cultural assumptions on international computer science students in the US. By performing thematic analysis on semi-structured interviews with 12 international graduate students at North Carolina State University, the authors found six main themes. Analyzing these themes provided insight into what barriers international students face and how they can be alleviated. By shedding light on this topic, the authors hope to inform computer science educators and researchers on the importance of creating inclusive and culturally relevant learning environments that accommodate the needs of diverse students.