Chinese International Students' Belongness to the University and the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Responses to and Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students and Academics (Table 10)

Abstract

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese in America have suffered from increased racial attacks and social exclusion. With increasing negative attitudes toward Chinese on media and real life, Chinese students have experienced heavy psychological challenges. The current qualitative research aims to capture the nuanced experiences of students and to examine the factors influencing their belongingness during the pandemic. The data analysis identified 5 domains (friends with shared experiences, professor-student relationship, university resources and activities, news reports and social media about China, and international immigration policy) which influenced students’ belonging. The findings highlight the importance of social relationship and supports on students’ sense of belonging. The findings also provide research basis to develop programs increasing Chinese international students’ belongingness and psychological well-being.

Authors

• Shiyu Sun, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Nidia Ruedas-Gracia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign