Identifying a Typology of International Doctoral Students Based on Their Satisfaction

• In Event: International and Mentoring Graduate Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which there is a typology among international doctoral students by using latent profile analysis (LPA) with Nature PhD Survey 2019 data (n=2,458). Results show that there are six significantly different groups of international doctoral students. They are typified mainly by the interaction with the advisor, and have strikingly different perceptions of their future in the field. While the types vary somewhat by demographics and region of schooling, bullying by the advisor, and sex and race discrimination are strong predictors of dissatisfied types. We further explain the female effect with bullying and discrimination. Implications of this typology on supporting international doctoral students’ well-being and career plan will be discussed.

Authors

• Jingru Zhang, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Alex J. Bowers, Teachers College, Columbia University