Immigrant and International College Students' Gaps: Academic and Sociocultural Readiness for Career and Graduate Education

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Mobility, Market Opportunities, and Challenges Faced by International, Undocumented, and Documented College Students

Abstract

The increasing diversity of immigrant and international student groups presents challenges for American colleges and universities to become globally inclusive higher education institutions. This mixed-methods study is based on transformative education and asset model, thus challenging conventional deficit view. Using college completion with employment or graduate school enrollment records as an important barometer of educational and social equity, this study explores undergraduate students' readiness (gaps) in the areas of academic and sociocultural learning activities. Quantitative analysis of the national data, the Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS) 2004-09 data, led to finding mixed patterns that present notable readiness gaps in terms of bachelors degree attainment, employment status, and graduate school enrollment. Qualitative analysis of interview cases offers additional insights into the gaps.

Authors

• Jaekyung Lee, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Namsook Kim, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Mengchen Su, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities