Article Sidebar

Download
PDF
Statistic
Read Counter : 290 Download : 193

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Main Article Content

Abstract

The study delves into the influence of an on-campus, student-led Cultural Association on the experiences of minority students within a predominantly White institution (PWI). This research employed qualitative methods. It primarily utilized in-depth, semi-structured interviews to gather data from five international students attending a comprehensive public research university on the West Coast of Canada. The findings revealed that the Cultural Association significantly contributed to the social and academic integration of the participants within their new institutional and social milieu. By cultivating a sense of belonging, the Association aided the participants in overcoming initial hurdles, such as isolation and acknowledging their status as minorities in the PWI setting. The Association and its members played a crucial role in providing spaces for cultural affirmation, championing diversity, facilitating social inclusion, and nurturing a sense of belonging.

Keywords

Sense of Belonging Educational Values Cultural Association

Article Details

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Author Biography

Minjeong Sung, University of Victoria, Canada

MINJEONG SUNG, M.A., is a team member at the International Services for Students at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada. As a former international student Minjeong is committed to supporting international students and fostering inclusive campus environment. Her research interests include international student experience, sense of belonging, and ethical internationalization. Email: minjeongsung1225@gmail.com

How to Cite
Sung, M., & Gounko, T. (2023). Fostering the Sense of Belonging: Cultivating Educational Values through a Cultural Association. International Journal of Asian Education, 4(4), 235–246. https://doi.org/10.46966/ijae.v4i4.358
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

References

  1. Acevedo, J. C., & Stodolska, M. (2019). Empowerment, resistance, and leisure among Latino student organizations. Leisure Sciences, 41(6), 460-476. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2017.1378141
  2. Allen, K.-A., Kern, M. L., Rozek, C. S., McInerney, D. M., & Slavich, G. M. (2021). Belonging: A review of conceptual issues, an integrative framework, and directions for future research. Australian Journal of Psychology, 73(1), 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2021.1883409
  3. Baker, C. N. (2008). Under-represented college students and extra-curricular involvement: The effects of various student organizations on academic performance. Social Psychology of Education, 11(3), 273-298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-007-9050-y
  4. Barajas, H. L., & Pierce, J. L. (2001). The significance of race and gender in school success among Latinas and Latinos in college. Gender and Society, 15(6), 859-878. https://doi.org/10.1177/089124301015006005
  5. Bowman, N. A., & Park, J. J. (2014). Interracial contact on college campuses: Comparing and contrasting predictors of cross-racial interaction and interracial friendship. The Journal of Higher Education, 85(5), 660-690. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221546.2014.11777344
  6. Bowman, N. A., Park, J. J., & Denson, N. (2015). Student involvement in ethnic student organizations: Examining civic outcomes 6 years after graduation. Research in Higher Education, 56(2), 127-145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-014-9353-8
  7. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
  8. Bronfenbrenner, U. (2009). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press. https://www.google.com/books?hl=id&lr=&id=OCmbzWka6xUC&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=Bronfenbrenner,+U.+(2009).+The+ecology+of+human+development:+Experiments+by+nature+and+design.+Harvard+University+Press.&ots=yzS2MZYMhd&sig=JEtTuQJGzPlwGW5bsy-VdCA_eBY
  9. Canel-Çınarbaş, D., & Yohani, S. (2019). Indigenous Canadian university students’ experiences of microaggressions. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 41, 41-60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-018-9345-z
  10. Cena, E., Burns, S., & Wilson, P. (2021). Sense of belonging and the intercultural and academic experiences among international students at a university in Northern Ireland. Journal of International Students, 11(4), 812-831. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i4.2541
  11. Chen, C. P. (1999). Professional issues: Common stressors among international college students: Research and counseling implications. Journal of College Counseling, 2(1), 49-65. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1882.1999.tb00142.x
  12. Cooper, R. (2009). Constructing belonging in a diverse campus community. Journal of College and Character, 10(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.2202/1940-1639.1085
  13. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE. http://www.ceil-conicet.gov.ar/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Creswell-Cap-10.pdf
  14. Cureton, D. J. & Gravestock, P. (2010). ‘We Belong’: differential sense of belonging and its meaning for different ethnicity groups in higher education. Compass Journal of Learning and Teaching, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.21100/compass.v12i1.942
  15. De Araujo, A. A (2011). Adjustment issues of international students enrolled in American colleges and universities: A review of the literature. Higher Education Studies, 1(1), 2-8. https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v1n1p2
  16. Delgado, R., & Stefancic, J. (2017). Critical Race Theory: An introduction. Third Edition. NYU Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1ggjjn3
  17. Franz, D., Marsh, H. E., Chen, J. I., & Teo, A.R. (2019). Using Facebook for qualitative research: A brief primer. Journal of medical Internet research, 21(8). https://doi.org/10.2196/13544
  18. García, H., A., Garza, T., & Yeaton-Hromada, K. (2019). Do we belong? A conceptual model for international students’ sense of belonging in community colleges. Journal of International Students, 9(2), 460-487. https://ojed.org/index.php/jis/article/download/669/701
  19. Government of Canada. (2019). Building on success: International education strategy (2019-2024). https://www.international.gc.ca/education/assets/pdfs/ies-sei/Building-on-Success-International-Education-Strategy-2019-2024.pdf
  20. Guiffrida, D. A. (2003). African American student organizations as agents of social integration. Journal of College Student Development, 44(3), 304-319. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2003.0024
  21. Harper, S. R., & Hurtado, S. (2007). Nine themes in campus racial climates and implications for institutional transformation. In S. R. Harper, & L. D. Patton (Eds.), Responding to the realities of race on campus: New Directions for Student Services (pp. 7-24). Jossey-Bass. https://doi.org/10.1002/ss.254
  22. Harper, S. R., & Quaye, S. J. (2007). Student organizations as venues for black identity expression and development among African American male student leaders. Journal of College Student Development, 48(2), 127-144. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2007.0012
  23. Hausmann, L. R. M., Ye, F., Schofield, J. W., & Woods, R. L. (2009). Sense of belonging and persistence in white and African American first-year students. Research in Higher Education, 50(7), 649-669. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-009-9137-8
  24. Hoffman, D., Perillo, P., Hawthorne Calizo, L. S., Hadfield, J., & Lee, D. M. (2005). Engagement versus participation: A difference that matters. About Campus, 10(5), 10–17. https://doi.org/10.1002/abc.143
  25. Houshmand, S., Spanierman, L. B., & Tafarodi, R. W. (2014). Excluded and avoided: Racial microaggressions targeting Asian international students in Canada. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 20(3), 377-388. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035404
  26. Jezewski, M.A., & Sotnik, P. (2001). The rehabilitation service provider as culture broker: Providing culturally competent services to foreign born persons. Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange. https://publichealth.buffalo.edu/content/sphhp/rehabilitation-science/research-and-facilities/funded-research/center-for-international-rehab-research-info-exchange/_jcr_content/par/download_1546171318/file.res/the-rehabilitation-providers-guide-to-cultures-of-the-foreign-born.pdf
  27. Kim, S., & Kim, R. H. (2010). Microaggressions experienced by international students attending U.S. institutions of higher education. In D. W. Sue (Ed.), Microaggressions and marginality: Manifestation, dynamics, and impact (pp. 171–191). John Wiley & Sons. https://in.nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/185/2018/04/Microagressions.pdf
  28. Kubota, R., & Lin, A. (2009). Race, culture, and identities in second language education: Exploring critically engaged practice (pp. 1-23). Taylor & Francis Group. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uvic/detail.action?docID=432763
  29. Kuh, G. D., & Love, P. G. (2000). A cultural perspective on student departure. In Braxton, J. M. (Ed.), Reworking the student departure puzzle (pp. 196-212). Vanderbilt University Press. https://www.google.com/books?hl=id&lr=&id=WF8itWof7aIC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=Kuh,+G.+D.,+%26+Love,+P.+G.+(2000).+A+cultural+perspective+on+student+departure.+In+Braxton,+J.+M.+(Ed.),+Reworking+the+student+departure+puzzle+(pp.+196-212).+Vanderbilt+University+Press.&ots=HDpiIh4tXL&sig=CdbVDnZa_ri1lDVY7ZM3MkeHJkQ
  30. Leask, B. (2009). Using formal and informal curricula to improve interactions between home and international students. Journal of Studies in International Education, 13(2), 205–221. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315308329786
  31. Lewis, A. E., Chesler, M., & Forman, T. A. (2000). The impact of “colorblind” ideologies on students of color: Intergroup relations at a predominantly white university. The Journal of Negro Education, 69(1/2), 74-91. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2696266
  32. Mahar, A., Cobigo, V., Stuart, H. (2012). Conceptualising belonging. Disability and Rehabilitation, 35(12). https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2012.717584
  33. Maramba, D. C., & Palmer, R. T. (2014). The impact of cultural validation on the college experiences of Southeast Asian American students. Journal of College Student Development, 55(6), 515-530. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2014.0054
  34. Marshall, C. & Rossman, G. B. (2016). Designing qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE. https://www.google.com/books?hl=id&lr=&id=-zncBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Marshall,+C.+%26+Rossman,+G.+B.+(2016).+Designing+qualitative+research+(6th+ed.).+SAGE.&ots=LgnbrC-zbV&sig=M_3kmM0D_ZVpGjEYR_bMzrDW7Rc
  35. Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative research: A Guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass. https://e-learning.panteion.gr/sites/default/files/webform/mitroo_ekpaideyton/_sid_/qualitative-research-a-guide-to-design-and-implementation-sharan-b-merriam-elizabeth-j-tisdell-ab67c2b.pdf
  36. Mesidor, J. K., & Sly, K. F. (2016). Factors that contribute to the adjustment of international students. Journal of International Students, 6(1), 262-282. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v6i1.569
  37. Museus, S. D. (2008). The role of ethnic student organizations in fostering African American and Asian American students’ cultural adjustment and membership at predominantly White institutions. Journal of College Student Development, 49(6), 568-586. http://doi.org/10.1353/csd.0.0039
  38. Mwangi, C. G. (2016). Sense of belonging among black international students at an HBCU. Journal of International Students, 6(4), 1015-1037. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v6i4.332
  39. Nadal, K. L., Wong, Y., Griffin, K. E., Davidoff, K., & Sriken, J. (2014). The adverse impact of racial microaggressions on college students’ self-esteem. Journal of College Student Development, 55(5), 461–474. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2014.0051
  40. Peltier, G. L., Laden, R., & Matranga, M. (2000). Student persistence in college: A review of research. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 1(4), 357–375. https://doi.org/10.2190/L4F7-4EF5-G2F1-Y8R3
  41. Qie, N., Rau, P.-L. P., Wang, L., & Ma, L. (2019). Is the Senpai-Kouhai relationship common across China, Korea, and Japan? Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, 47(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.7404
  42. Rivas, J., Burke, M. G., & Hale, K. (2019). Seeking a sense of belonging: Social and cultural integration of international students with American college students. Journal of International Students, 9(2), 682-704. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v9i2.943
  43. Sedgwick, M., Oosterbroek, T., & Ponomar, V. (2014). “It all depends”: How minority nursing students experience belonging during clinical experiences. Nursing Education Perspectives, 35(2), 89-93. https://doi.org/10.5480/11-707.1
  44. Sedgwick, M., & Yonge, O. (2008). “We’re it,” “we’re a team,” “we’re family” means a sense of belonging. Rural and Remote Health, 8(3). http://doi.org/10.22605/RRH1021
  45. Smith, R. A., & Khawaja, N. G. (2011). A review of the acculturation experiences of international students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 35, 699-713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2011.08.004
  46. Strayhorn, T. (2018). College students’ sense of belonging: A key to educational success for all students. Routledge. https://doi.org.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/10.4324/9781315297293
  47. Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62(4), 271–286. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0003-066X.62.4.271
  48. Walseth, K. (2006). Sport and belonging. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 41(3–4), 447–464. https://doi.org/10.1177/1012690207079510
  49. Wei, M., Heppner, P. P., Mallen, M. J., Ku, T., Liao, K. Y., & Wu, T. (2007). Acculturative stress, perfectionism, years in the united states, and depression among Chinese international students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 54(4), 385-394. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.54.4.385
  50. Wu, H., Garza, E., & Guzman, N. (2015). International student's challenge and adjustment to college. Education Research International, 20, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/202753
  51. Yohani, S. (2013). Educational cultural brokers and the school adaptation of refugee children and families: Challenges and opportunities. International Migration & Integration, 14, 61-79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-011-0229-x
  52. Zumbrunn, S., McKim, C., Buhs, E., & Hawley, L. R. (2014). Support, belonging, motivation, and engagement in the college classroom: A mixed method study. Instructional Science, 42(5), 661–684. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-014-9310-0