Why Did You Withdraw? Experiences of Chinese International Doctoral Students in Canada

• In Event: 64.089 - Sheraton Roundtable 12 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 64.089-2 - International Perspectives on Graduate and Doctoral Education

Abstract

This study sheds light on four Chinese international doctoral students and explores the reasons for their withdrawal from their studies in a Canadian context. Using a narrative methodological approach, four themes emerged: academic interactions and integration; partnership and the perception of gender roles; family of origin and the importance of education; and educational differences between China and Canada. Specifically, incompatibility with supervisors was one factor that directly led to the withdrawal of some research participants. The participants’ intentions and willingness to fulfil their gender roles and family obligations also impacted their decisions in various ways. In addition, their past experiences in China and certain aspects of Chinese culture seem to have shaped their expectations about education and the supervisory relationship

Author

• Yan Gao, University of Victoria