"Belonging is a luxury to us"

International graduate students’ sense of belonging at a predominantly White institution in the U.S.

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/df9sjd07

Keywords:

International graduate students, Higher education in USA, sense of belonging, predominantly white institution, focus group interview, academic belonging, social belonging

Abstract

This qualitative study explores international graduate students’ sense of belonging at a predominantly white institution (PWI) in the northeastern United States. Drawing on focus group interviews with 12 students from diverse academic disciplines, this study examines how institutional, academic, and sociocultural contexts shape their experiences of belonging. The analysis identified six key themes: (1) fragmented social belonging; (2) heavy reliance on ethnic communities; (3) academic belonging contingent on funding, advisor support, and research alignment; (4) language proficiency and pressure to prove oneself constantly; (5) performative versus genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts; and (6) the importance of physical and symbolic space. While participants appreciated some aspects of academic support, many reported marginalization related to language-based bias, limited cultural understanding, and underrepresentation. The study highlights the importance of intentional, equity-driven institutional practices and concludes with six actionable recommendations to enhance the academic and social integration of international graduate students.

Author Biographies

  • Eun Jung Paik, The Pennsylvania State University

    EUN JUNG PAIK is a doctoral candidate in the Educational Theory and Policy Program at Pennsylvania State University. She has professional experience in Korean and U.S. higher education institutions, specializing in international admissions and student services. Her research interests include diversity, a sense of belonging, transnational migration, multiculturalism, and underrepresented students in K-16+. 

  • Marcelius Braxton, The Pennsylvania State University
    MARCELIUS BRAXTON is the director of the Center for Social Change and Belonging at Penn State University. He also holds an affiliate academic appointment as an Associate Teaching Professor of African Studies and Philosophy at Penn State. He is currently a doctoral candidate in D.Ed. (Doctor of Education) program at Penn State University. His research interests include the intersections of race, law, education, and philosophy as well as social justice, a sense of belonging, activism, and liberation. 

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Published

2026-01-24

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Vol. 16 No. 3 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Paik, E. J., & Braxton, M. (2026). "Belonging is a luxury to us": International graduate students’ sense of belonging at a predominantly White institution in the U.S. Journal of International Students, 16(3), 191-210. https://doi.org/10.32674/df9sjd07