International Students’ Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Caribbean University Case Study

• In Event: The Transnational Gaze and Decolonial Identities

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged international students; however, little research exists on international students’ experiences in the Caribbean. This paper analyzes narratives of 15 international students enrolled in English-as-a-Second Language program in a Caribbean University in March 2020. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to illuminate their coping strategies, and identify the support systems they relied on during that period. The findings were similar to other international students. Of note, is that the international students did not report any racial discrimination. Additionally, unlike other international students, they experienced a truncated program. The findings helped us to realize that for international students, the learning experience goes beyond the academic exposure, and that social connections and structured support are critical.

Authors

• Vilma Consuelo Villanueva, University of Belize

• Joyanne Beverly De Four-Babb, University of Belize