Although retention of students in higher education has been studied extensively, research around retention of international students in U.S. higher education institutions is not as common. This study focuses on the concept of international students' sense of belonging as it relates to retention and persistence, exploring how international students conceptualize a sense of belonging during their time in U.S. higher education, and asking what aspects of campus positively and negatively impact international students' sense of belonging. Using a qualitative case study method involving interviews with seven international student participants, this study found that sense of belonging was mainly conceptualized through participants' experiences, and that themes such as relationships, diversity, and intercultural transitions contributed to participants' ideas. The findings in this study will assist higher education professionals with further understanding international student experiences on campus and provide ideas for campus actions that may promote and support a sense of belonging for international students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]