Shouldn't Their Stories Be Told In Their Voices: International Students’ Experiences of Adjustment Following Arrival to the U.S.

Author

Elizabeth Kelley ThompsonFollow

Date of Award

5-2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Educational Psychology and Research

Major Professor

Barbara J. Thayer-Bacon

Committee Members

Diana Moyer, Scott Ellison

Abstract

This study explored the experienced adjustment period for international students following their arrival to the U.S. and whether or not any expressed challenges could be attributed to some type of cultural intolerance or positionality by members of the host culture. This study investigated the experiences of international students’ adjustment strategies as told in their voices and perspectives. Included is an in-depth discussion focusing on strategies for overcoming challenges as well as a rich description of cultural intolerances that contribute to the stresses experienced by international students. A strategy of care and inclusion was employed making it possible for international students to tell their stories from their perspective.

Recommended Citation

Thompson, Elizabeth Kelley, "Shouldn't Their Stories Be Told In Their Voices: International Students’ Experiences of Adjustment Following Arrival to the U.S.. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2013.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/1686