Resisting, Regaining, Reclaiming: Transnationalism, Racialization, and Identities of International Doctoral Students in the U.S.

• In Event: Inclusion and Belonging in Global Educational Contexts

Abstract

This study explores the transnational racialization experiences of two Chinese international doctoral students in the U.S. using collaborative autoethnographic methods and frameworks of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Asian Critical Theory (AsianCrit). As students from a racially homogeneous background, we examined how moving to the U.S. complicated our perceptions of race and racism. We analyzed how these experiences shaped our identities and strategies to resist racialization and reclaim our sense of self. Our findings highlight the distinct challenges faced by Chinese international students, emphasizing the need for ongoing support that considers their unique experiences. By interrogating our narratives, we aim to provide insights that can improve understanding and support for this community in U.S. higher education.

Authors

• Xinhang Hermione Hu, University of Maryland

• Jing Du, Teachers College, Columbia University