Abstract
The purpose of this study is to conduct an empirical study of international doctoral students (IDS) experiences studying in a United Kingdom (UK) university with three related significant discussions; ( I ) IDS’ struggles, (2) IDS’ support networks, and (3) IDS’ strategies to address the struggles. To gain in-depth discussions, a qualitative method with a case study approach was employed. A total number of 16 IDS participated in this study. Their learning and living experiences were elicited with the use of sociogram and semi-structured interviews. Sociogram is an innovative technique of data collection through charting. This served as a prompt to gain robust information in the process of interviews and allowed the participants to visualise the networks of influences in their doctoral study. Semi-structured interview was designed to capture in-depth exploration on participants’ experiences in their doctoral journey. Additional data was gained by analysing the document of IDS acknowledgment page from the same university to strengthen the data from sociogram and interviews. Drawing from thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis, the results of the study indicate that the participants experienced the struggles in the area of language, academic expectation, health, and contextual factors. To address these struggles, the participants employed some strategies that seem effective for them, including benefiting provided support from university, taking advantage of technological resources, asking for help, and self-management. The results of the study also conclude that familial, institutional staff members, and peer are pivotal support sources for the participants in their doctoral journey. All in all, the implications of the findings are discussed, which might be a unique contribution not only to higher educational institution, but also to prospective IDS who are planning to study at UK and/or overseas institutions.I
| Date of Award | Dec 2019 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Sponsors | Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Indonesia |
| Supervisor | Caroline Linse (Supervisor) & Dina Belluigi (Supervisor) |
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