Student Self-Formation in International Secondary Schools and Higher Education Institutions: Identity, Agency, and Transitions

• In Event: International Education Across the Years

Abstract

Over five million students study at international secondary schools, a fast-growing subset of the globally mobile student population. Research has focused on these students at the secondary education level, but less so on their transition to a higher education institution (HEI). This longitudinal qualitative study used Marginson’s (2014) self-formation framework to explore the HEI transition of 19 international school leavers. Researchers interviewed students as they prepared to attend a HEI and at the end of their first year. Several noteworthy findings include that students from international schools prioritize HEIs that provide experiential learning experiences; they have unique identities that affect their connections and transition to college; they gain a deeper understanding of diversity in college; and they prioritize global learning.

Authors

• Natalie Cruz, Charleston Southern University

• Minghui Hou, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

• Asuka Ichikawa, Old Dominion University

• Chris R Glass, Old Dominion University