Does This Place Feel Like My Home Away from Home: Finding Where Middle Eastern Students Experience Validation at Predominantly White Institutions
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Abstract
Middle Eastern North African (MENA) students attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) often face challenges related to institutional recognition, discrimination, and limited cultural validation. Despite being classified as white in demographic data, their experiences and identities are frequently overlooked, leaving gaps in institutional support. This study examines where Middle Eastern undergraduate students at Indiana University Bloomington find validation and explores what is needed to foster a more inclusive environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 52 students and conducted in-depth interviews with seven participants. Findings reveal that MENA students primarily find validation through student-led organizations, peer companionship, and spaces where they are surrounded by those with similar cultural identities. However, institutional support remains lacking, with students expressing a need for dedicated resources, including a Middle Eastern cultural center. This research highlights the importance of external validation in fostering a sense of belonging and recommends targeted institutional changes to better support Middle Eastern students at PWIs.
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