Do I Belong? The Sense of Belonging Experiences of Indonesian Graduate Students

• In Event: 60.084 - Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 60.084-4 - Cultivating a Sense of Belonging in Higher Education

Abstract

Indonesian graduate students are increasing their presence on college campuses, yet very little is known about this unique student population. Drawing upon Strayhorn’s (2012) sense of belonging framework, we thematically explore how peers, faculty and the larger campus community contributes to Indonesian students’ sense of belonging. This study employs narrative inquiry techniques with sixteen students. Students who feel discriminated or marginalized against may not have a strong sense of belonging and are at risk. Our findings show how a sense of belonging is important to student retention, satisfaction and success.

Authors

• Sapna Naik, Michigan State University

• David J. Nguyen, Ohio University