Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

Verona McCarthy

Committee Member

Ronald Hunter

Committee Member

Kimberly Hunter

Keywords

acculturation, cross-cultural, globalization, cultural anthropology, higher education, international students, multicultural education, stressors

Abstract

The increase of international students studying in universities and colleges in the United States has led to the need for additional programming and resources on campuses that support the transitioning needs related to campus and community culture. Given the diverse cultural needs of international students and the metropolitan culture of Washington, DC, acculturation stress can be a common occurrence while attending the intensive graduate program.

In this study, international students attending a small graduate school in Washington, DC were interviewed while resources provided for transitioning and ongoing support for the students were examined. Factors related to areas of programming and resources that were designed to support the arrival and ongoing needs of international students, yet limited in structure such as international student orientation and health and wellness, were analyzed as possible areas that contribute to acculturation stress. Following the study, updated transitioning programs will be created that is reflective of international student needs.

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