Leveraging Online Research Experience for International University Admission: A Chinese Student Perspective

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-International Studies Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This study explores how Chinese students strategically use online platforms to gain research experience and strengthen university applications. It uses mixed methods to examine motivations, perceived effectiveness, and encountered barriers. Findings reveal that students actively transform online learning into forms of cultural and academic capital by engaging with academic mentorship, producing research outputs, and managing symbolic resources for institutional recognition. Despite facing significant linguistic and collaborative barriers, students demonstrated adaptability, agency, and strategic thinking. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how online education connects with global educational mobility and provides actionable implications for education service providers aiming to design more student-centered and culturally responsive online research programs.

Authors

• Junjian Gao, Wenzhou-Kean University

• Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Jinyi Ren, Wenzhou-Kean University