ANDREW, HAZAEL, Ph.D. a Study of Caribbean Students’ Experiences at U.S
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ANDREW, HAZAEL, Ph.D. A Study of Caribbean Students’ Experiences at U.S. Institutions. (2019) Directed by Dr. Silvia C. Bettez 247 pp. There is limited research that examines the experiences of Caribbean students despite the increased presence of international students attending institutions of higher education in the United States. This qualitative dissertation used individual interviews and a focus group to explore the academic, cultural, social, and racial experiences of Caribbean students pursuing their undergraduate studies in the United States. Eighteen students from English, French, Spanish, and Dutch-speaking Caribbean islands, all of who were currently attending or recently graduated from four distinct institutions of higher education in the United States, including three predominantly white institutions and one Hispanic-serving institution, were represented in this study. By using a postcolonial theoretical lens to analyze the collected data, this study illuminates Caribbean students’ resilient nature and challenges educators to consider the nuanced factors that play a critical role in the students’ experiences. The stories told throughout this study suggested that, while Caribbean students come from the same region, there are both commonalities and differences within their experiences; the context surrounding their racial experiences are multilayered; their academic, cultural, and social experiences are closely linked to salient aspects of their Caribbean identity; and their experiences do not always align with the typical results of other research about international students at U.S. higher education institutions. The findings suggest a need for deeper understanding among educators and institutions as it relates to the uniqueness of students who come from the Caribbean region. A STUDY OF CARIBBEAN STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES AT U.S. INSTITUTIONS by Hazael Andrew A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of The Graduate School at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Greensboro 2019 Approved by ________________________ Committee Chair DEDICATION To my family and friends, for all your love, kindness and prayers. ii APPROVAL PAGE The dissertation, written by Hazael Andrew, has been approved by the following committee of the Faculty of The Graduate School at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Committee Chair _________________________________ Silvia C. Bettez Committee Members _________________________________ Leila E. Villaverde _________________________________ Sophia Rodriguez _________________________________ Elizabeth Barnum ____________________________ Date of Acceptance by Committee __________________________ Date of Final Oral Examination iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am fortunate to have a supportive network of family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and scholars who made this academic journey possible. I am forever grateful to my committee chair, Dr. Silvia Bettez, who have supported and challenged me in ways that allowed me to grow professionally. I could not have asked for a more caring and thoughtful dissertation chair and advisor. I am thankful to the other members of my dissertation committee: Dr. Leila Villaverde, Dr. Elizabeth Barnum and Dr. Sophia Rodriguez for always being there to offer advice and support. I am also thankful to Dr. Kathleen Edwards for providing insightful feedback on various aspects of my work. I would like to thank my wife and best friend, Paris Andrew, for her patience, encouragement, and support during this journey. Her positivity and optimism kept me motivated. I also want to thank for my two sons, Hazael Andrew Jr and Marcel Andrew, for always keeping me on the move. My mother, Joan Andrew, was an inspiration to me during my studies. I get my motivation during our daily phone calls. It is because of your constant love that I am here today and have made it this far. Lastly, I would like to thank all who have cared for me since my arrival to the United States as an international student – Rolando Delabarrera, David and Vicky Steward, Patrick and Ingrid Smith, Arnell and Lillian Dunn, Kenn and Lynn Melton and iv Robert Smith. You open your homes to me during times of need and I will be forever grateful. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES ...............................................................................................................x LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... xi CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................1 Research Questions ......................................................................................3 The Caribbean Region .................................................................................4 Introduction to Type of Study ......................................................................6 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................7 Significance of Study ...................................................................................8 Introduction to Theoretical Framework .......................................................9 Positionality and Researcher’s Identity .....................................................11 Caribbean Upbringing and Dual Citizen ........................................11 Student Affairs Professional and Social Justice Advocate ............15 Critical Reflexivity in a Qualitative Study on Caribbean Students’ Experiences ...........................................................................................18 Where are We Today? ...............................................................................20 Terminology and Language .......................................................................22 Conclusion .................................................................................................23 II. LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................24 Research Questions ....................................................................................24 International Students in Higher Education ...............................................25 Trends in International Students Enrollment .............................................28 The Unfortunate Reality: Commodification of International Students ..................................................................................................30 Perceived Challenges of International Students in Higher Education ...............................................................................................34 The Caribbean Region and Caribbean Students ........................................35 Immigration Laws and International Students ...........................................38 Racial Discrimination and Identity Issues .................................................42 Acculturation - A Critical Approach..........................................................45 Relevant Approaches to Work with International Students .......................47 Supporting First-Year International Students ............................................51 Conclusion .................................................................................................54 vi III. METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................................56 Research Questions ....................................................................................57 Results of Pilot Study.................................................................................58 Paradigm/Epistemology .............................................................................60 Postcolonial Theory ...................................................................................65 Research Design.........................................................................................70 Recruitment Strategy .................................................................................70 Participant Selection Criteria .....................................................................72 Data Collection Procedures ........................................................................76 Introduction to Participants ........................................................................77 Damian ...........................................................................................78 Ramona ..........................................................................................79 Kerry ..............................................................................................79 Kim ................................................................................................80 Rena ...............................................................................................81 Mimi ...............................................................................................81 Doria ..............................................................................................82 Richard ...........................................................................................83 Luiz ................................................................................................84 Jenny ..............................................................................................84 Wendy ............................................................................................85