Volume 16, 2021 NARRATIVE INQUIRY INTO CHINESE INTERNATIONAL DOCTORAL STUDENTS’ JOURNEY: A STRENGTH-BASED PERSPECTIVE Shihua Brazill Montana State University, Bozeman,
[email protected] MT, USA ABSTRACT Aim/Purpose This narrative inquiry study uses a strength-based approach to study the cross- cultural socialization journey of Chinese international doctoral students at a U.S. Land Grant university. Historically, we thought of socialization as an institu- tional or group-defined process, but “journey” taps into a rich narrative tradi- tion about individuals, how they relate to others, and the identities that they carry and develop. Background To date, research has employed a deficit perspective to study how Chinese stu- dents must adapt to their new environment. Instead, my original contribution is using narrative inquiry study to explore cross-cultural socialization and mentor- ing practices that are consonant with the cultural capital that Chinese interna- tional doctoral students bring with them. Methodology This qualitative research uses narrative inquiry to capture and understand the experiences of three Chinese international doctoral students at a Land Grant in- stitute in the U.S. Contribution This study will be especially important for administrators and faculty striving to create more diverse, supportive, and inclusive academic environments to en- hance Chinese international doctoral students’ experiences in the U.S. Moreo- ver, this study fills a gap in existing research by using a strength-based lens to provide valuable practical insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymak- ers to support the unique cross-cultural socialization of Chinese international doctoral students. Findings Using multiple conversational interviews, artifacts, and vignettes, the study sought to understand the doctoral experience of Chinese international students’ experience at an American Land Grant University.