From Arrival to Integration: Transitional Experiences and Mattering Perceptions in International Students

• In Event: Research in Progress Roundtable Session 3
  In Invited Roundtable: Student Experiences in Higher Education: Understanding the Implications of Race, Class, and National Identity (Table 2)

Abstract

The globalization of higher education has increased cross-cultural educational exchanges among students. As international students navigate their new environment, they face numerous challenges which could diminish their sense of mattering. This study will explore the initial arrival experiences and perceptions of mattering among international students at a public university in Colorado. Using a mixed-method sequential exploratory design, the study will combine phenomenological interviews with quantitative surveys to investigate how these students experience integration and their perception of value within the university community. It will use the theory of transition and the theory of marginality and mattering, and examine the lived experiences of international students, highlighting their challenges in navigating resources, essential services, and initial interactions with new peers and advisors.

Author

• Reeti Sharma, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs