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ASIAN INDIAN SOJOURNERS: AN INQUIRY INTO THE PROBASHI–“AWAY FROM HOME” EXPERIENCE OF GRADUATE STUDENTS AT A MID-WESTERN UNIVERSITY

Williams, Sheila Y. Guinier Clarke

Abstract Details

2007, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Counselor Education (Education).

Data indicate that the number of international students at U.S. institutions of higher learning has been rising. From 2002 to 2007 India has sent more students to U.S. colleges ad universities than any other country. Previous researchers have found many of the problems of international students unique and perhaps more pressing than those faced by other student populations, yet this pattern is not reflected in their use of counseling facilities (e.g. Pederson, 1991). Counseling center records at one mid-western university indicate that international graduate students use counseling center services proportionally less than any other group of students.

This study is an inquiry into the experiences of Asian Indian graduate students, the largest segment of the international graduate student population at this mid-western university. Through this study, I attempted to understand how these students make sense of their experiences at the university, what problems they perceive themselves to have, and how they go about resolving those problems they deem significant. I employed a qualitative methodology in pursuing this study and I used an interpretive/constructivist paradigm to conceptualize my work. In-depth interview data were analyzed for recurrent themes and patterns. Four primary themes emerged: transitional issues, sources of support, counseling and mental health, and cultural beliefs and practices. The identified themes were shared with some participants during a second round of interviews to glean feedback and validate the findings.

Participants in the study typically faced challenges with a pragmatic approach. They reported a preference for using previously established support networks, such as family and friends (even newly made friends) rather than formal counseling. Typically, they were unaware of counseling services and reported being unlikely to use services for other than pragmatic issues e.g. help with adjusting to a new educational system.

In addition, it was clear that cultural beliefs and practices continued to play a part in their current life experiences. Implications of these findings for the practice of mental health counseling on university campuses are discussed.

Thomas Davis (Advisor)
223 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Williams, S. Y. G. C. (2007). ASIAN INDIAN SOJOURNERS: AN INQUIRY INTO THE PROBASHI–“AWAY FROM HOME” EXPERIENCE OF GRADUATE STUDENTS AT A MID-WESTERN UNIVERSITY [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1188314140

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Williams, Sheila. ASIAN INDIAN SOJOURNERS: AN INQUIRY INTO THE PROBASHI–“AWAY FROM HOME” EXPERIENCE OF GRADUATE STUDENTS AT A MID-WESTERN UNIVERSITY. 2007. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1188314140.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Williams, Sheila. "ASIAN INDIAN SOJOURNERS: AN INQUIRY INTO THE PROBASHI–“AWAY FROM HOME” EXPERIENCE OF GRADUATE STUDENTS AT A MID-WESTERN UNIVERSITY." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1188314140

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)