International Women Graduate Students: Transition to Public Research Universities in the Midwest

Authors

Tran Thanh Truc Nguyen, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Corey Rumann

Second Advisor

Stephanie Bondi

Third Advisor

Crystal Garcia

Date of this Version

5-2024

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Arts

Major: Educational Administration

Under the supervision of Professor Corey Rumann

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Tran Thanh Truc Nguyen. Used by permission

Abstract

This phenomenological qualitative study explored the experiences of international women graduate students (IWGSs) in transitioning to public research universities in the Midwest. The study utilized Schlossberg’s transition theory (Anderson et al., 2012) to gain insights into the perceptions of six participants during their college transition process. Based on the analysis of data collected through in-depth phenomenological interviews with each participant, three themes emerged that described the challenges faced by the participants during their transition. These themes were: solitary voyage, a dilemma of self-reliance and reliance, and a vicious cycle of limited time and financial constraints. Through the three themes, the study addressed these research questions: How do international women graduate students describe their transition experiences at public research institutions in the Midwest? What student support services do these students believe they need from the university, other networks, and beyond to have a successful transition? Implications for practice and recommendations for student affairs professionals and future research were also provided to better support IWGSs at institutions of higher education in the United States.

Advisor: Corey Rumann