Racialized Experience and the Ensuing Racial Awareness of International Graduate Students of Color

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: International Student Experiences: COVID, Race, and Sense of Belonging (Table 32)

Abstract

This research investigates the racialized experiences and racial awareness of international graduate students of color at Midwest University to comprehend their perception and processing of racialized encounters in the U.S. The study identifies four themes: (1) Pre-existing comfort zone, (2) encountering race-centric environments, (3) grappling with racialized experience, and (4) engagement and growth toward solidarity. Furthermore, participants are aware of racial issues, but they maintain a subtle distance due to indirect exposure to racial topics and the lack of a safe space for open dialogue, leading to isolation. Based on the findings, this study underscores the significance of supporting and establishing safe spaces to promote inclusive solidarity and dismantle racial injustice within higher education for international students of color.

Author

• Seyoung Hong, Michigan State University