The World Is Not Flat: Challenges for Taiwanese Indigenous and Disabled Students Seeking International Degrees

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 2:30 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Social Mobility, Belonging, and Access to Opportunity: Perspectives From Across the Globe (Table 28)

Abstract

In light of globalization, frequent population movement beyond boundaries has become part of the daily landscape. Whereas the number of students crossing boundaries has seen significant growth in the past decade, peculiar groups of students are less represented in the study abroad student population. This research addressed the challenges confronting the Taiwanese indigenous students and students with disability wishing to pursue international higher education. Through Bourdieu’s notion of cultural capital and habitus, this research used qualitative interview to unpack structural constraints for less-representative students in pursuit of international degrees. The results primarily identified three themes that partially confirm and further complement Bourdieu’s work within the context of globalization. Based upon the findings I further make some policy recommendation.

Author

• Yun-Shiuan Chen, National Academy for Educational Research - Taiwan