A Phenomenological Study on International Doctoral Students’ Acculturation Experiences at a U.S. University

A phenomenological method was used to analyze ten international doctoral students’ description of their lived experiences at a United States (U.S.) university. The analysis was based on the theoretical premise of how students acculturate to their new educational settings. Three broad overlapping themes emerged: (1) participants’ past experiences that influenced their desire to study in the U.S.; (2) participants’ interactions within academic and non-academic settings; and (3) the role of family relationships during their studies within the U.S. The study revealed that the students: were optimistic about the societal opportunities from studying in the U.S., were appreciative of their interaction with instructors, had inadequate relationship with supervising professors, participated in limited social activity outside of academic settings, and made adjustment to family relationships

A phenomenological study of business graduates’ employment experiences in the changing economy

Abstract This study explores the perspectives of business college graduates, how technology has shaped the structures of their jobs, and the role of non-technical skills as they navigate the changing career path. Three overlapping themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) influence of increased technology capabilities on job structures and careers; (2) participation in job-related training and formal education as means of adapting to the new work environment; and (3) the role of non-technical skills in the workplace amidst the intensification of technology change. This research provides higher education practitioners and labor market researchers qualitative perspectives on work structure changes

Higher Education from a Longitudinal and Life Course Perspective

International audienceThis symposium brings together scholars from across Canada, Europe, and the United States to explore how longitudinal and life course research can be used to study higher education. Highlighting both qualitative and quantitative research, we will explore aspects of social reproduction, inequality, stratification, wellbeing, and school-to-work transitions