Theses and Dissertations

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2022/20633

This collection contains theses and dissertations from students who have completed Master of Education (M.S.Ed.), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees in the School of Education.

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Arnold, Stacey"

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    EXPERIENCES OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ATTENDING MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES: UNDERSTANDING BARRIERS AND SUPPORTS TO IMPROVE STUDENT SUCCESS
    ([Bloomington, Ind.] : Indiana University, 2023-12) Arnold, Stacey; Palmer, Megan M. Ph.D.
    The purpose of this study was to understand what international students attending MSW programs in the US perceive as barriers and supports to their success in their graduate program. for In this study, I explored various aspects of the participants' experiences including overall campus engagement, social work program engagement, the classroom experience, and field placements. As these aspects were explored, I simultaneously explored how these various aspects of the program have an impact on students' perceived success and encountered barriers Research regarding international graduate student experiences in specific disciplines is limited. Further, much of the research on international graduate students focuses heavily on the academic aspects of the student experience such as language proficiency (Kaya, 2020; Ren & Hagedorn, 2012) and meeting academic requirements (Rodríguez et al., 2019). Studies related to the experiences of international graduate students studying social work are dated (Desai & Brieland, 1970; Murase, 1961), limited in richness and depth (Cetingok & Hirayama, 1990; Ndirangu, 1993), or focus on specific areas of the Master of Social Work (MSW) student experience such as field/internship experiences (Zunz & Oil, 2009). One of the areas in which knowledge needs to be expanded is in relation to the lived experiences of international graduate students in specific disciplines. To obtain a more in-depth understanding of the experiences of international students completing MSW degrees in the United States I utilized a qualitative study design with phenomenological influence. I interviewed international MSW students via zoom, transcribed their interviews, and analyzed their responses utilizing a qualitative analysis tool. I found several common themes including the importance of social interaction and engagement as well as perseverance. I also uncovered themes which hindered student success including bureaucracy, stealth international students and ill equipped programs and institutions, social and cultural challenges and limited post program preparation. This data can be utilized to improve student service provision to international MSW students in the United States.