ERIC Number: EJ1352728
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2162-3104
EISSN: EISSN-2166-3750
A Leap of Academic Faith and Resilience: Nontraditional International Students Pursuing Higher Education in the United States
Journal of International Students, v12 n2 p283-301 2022
International students pursuing higher education in the United States are faced with a multiplicity of challenges such as relocating to a new country, navigating an unfamiliar educational system, overcoming negative stereotypes associated with being an international student, and, in some instances, learning a foreign language. Despite such challenges, international students remain motivated to pursue higher education in the United States. This qualitative study, utilizing Schlossberg's adult transition model as a theoretical framework, explores the lived experiences of 16 international students pursuing higher education in the United States. Emphasis is placed on their transitional experiences in relation to their learning. The major theme that emerged is "major adjustment." Subthemes that emerged regarding these students' adjustments includes (a) diversity and cultural differences in the learning environment, (b) comparative differences in the learning environment, (c) language barriers, and (d) combatting stereotypes. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.
Descriptors: Resilience (Psychology), Nontraditional Students, Foreign Students, College Students, Student Motivation, Student Adjustment, Cultural Differences, English (Second Language), Stereotypes, Comparative Education, Student Experience, Adult Students
Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jis@ojed.org; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A