04/08/2021
By Robin Hall

The College of Education invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Allyson Lynch on “Microaggressions, Neo-Racism and Relationships with Americans: Factors Impacting International Students’ Sense of Belonging.”

Date: Tuesday, April 20,2021
Time: 1 p.m. EST
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should email Phitsamay_Uy@uml.edu at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Dissertation Chair: Phitsamay Uy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, College of Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Dissertation Committee:

  • A.J. Angulo, Ed.D., Professor, College of Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Stacy Szczesiul, Ed.D., Associate Professor, College of Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:

This mixed-methods study examined the factors contributing to international student sense of belonging on three U.S. campuses, particularly upon their arrival to their campus and during a global pandemic. This three-article dissertation discusses the major findings that were identified in the data. Article 1 highlights the recurring theme of microaggressions and neo-racism and their effects on international students’ sense of belonging, both inside and outside their classrooms, particularly within the qualitative data. Article 2 discusses the issue of language barriers and its effects on international students’ sense of belonging and the effects on their overall campus experience. Article 3 explicates international students’ relationships with Americans and its effects on their sense of belonging through impacts of interactions with domestic students, faculty and staff on the student.