Tale of Transitions: Experiences of a First-Year Ph.D. Asian Student in America

Authors

Aakash Kumar, Texas A & M University - College StationFollow

Abstract

This autoethnographic account narrates my transition as a first-year Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, USA. Employing Kurt Lewin’s Change Model, I have structured my narrative around three phases: (a) unfreeze, (b) change, and (c) refreeze. The unfreeze phase details the process of unlearning, adjusting to American academic practices, and the initial cultural shock intensified by homesickness. The change phase describes embracing a new identity, integrating into campus and cultural life, and overcoming academic challenges. Lastly, the refreezing phase involves consolidating new beliefs, perspectives, and skills, solidifying the transition to becoming a more confident and competent scholar. This autoethnographic account narrates the dilemmas and breakthroughs I encountered, with the aim of providing insights for future Asian students aspiring to pursue doctoral programs in the USA.

Keywords

autoethnography, cultural transition, Kurt Lewin’s Change Model, academic adjustment, international education

Author Bio(s)

Aakash Kumar is a third-year doctoral student in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture, Texas A&M University. His current research focuses on integration of AI in writing instruction and assessment, teacher education, and curriculum and policy analysis. Aakash has a background in education, having served as the youngest teacher trainer in Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. He has conducted research on the assessment system in Pakistan and has presented his work internationally. Aakash's work has been recognized with several awards and fellowships. He has worked with Sukkur IBA University, the Regional English Language Office at the US Embassy Islamabad, and UNICEF. Please direct correspondence to aakashkumar@tamu.edu.

Publication Date

11-24-2024

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7143

Recommended APA Citation

Kumar, A. (2024). Tale of transitions: Experiences of a first-year Ph.D. Asian student in America. The Qualitative Report, 29(10), 2604-2614. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7143

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4070-7559