Emerging trends and challenges in international student research

A content analysis of recent dissertations (2022–2024)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/86wewd47

Keywords:

International students, higher education, dissertations, content analysis, trend

Abstract

This study presents a content analysis of 470 doctoral dissertations published between 2022 and 2024, examining emerging trends, theoretical frameworks, and research approaches related to international students. Using a qualitative content analysis approach and descriptive statistics, the study systematically analyzed the dissertations to identify recurring themes and issues. The key themes identified include teaching and learning; academic practices; acculturation and intercultural competence; career development and leadership; experiences and challenges; mobility and policy contexts; social diversity and inclusion; institutional support; and well-being. The findings show a predominant use of qualitative methods, a concentration on U.S.-based contexts, and a strong disciplinary focus on higher education. Gaps include insufficient attention to digital and online education, underrepresentation of non-Western regions, and insufficient theoretical grounding. The study underscores the need for more inclusive, interdisciplinary, and methodologically diverse research to inform policies and practices that support international students’ academic success, well-being, and global mobility.

Author Biographies

  • Krishna Bista, Morgan State University, USA

    Krishna Bista, EdD, is a Professor of Higher Education at the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy at Morgan State University, USA. Areas of research interest include AI in education, technology in higher education, mobility studies, and research methods.

  • Lin Ge, University of Regina, Canada

    Lin Ge, PhD, is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, Canada. Her primary research interests include education for marginalized children, higher education, bridging programs, cross-cultural educational studies, and the social and philosophical foundations of education. 

  • Tian Qin, Trinity University, USA

    Tian Qin, EdD, is the Director of Recruitment and Residencies in the Health Care Administration Department, and faculty in the EAST Program at Trinity University. Her research interests include international student mobility, transnational partnership programs, first-year experience, and academic advising. 

References

Abdullah, D., Aziz, M.I.A., & Ibrahim, A.L.M. (2014). ‘‘research’’ into international student-related research: (Re)visualising our stand? Higher Education, 67, 235–253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-013-9647-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-013-9647-3

Barnett, G. A., Lee, M., Jiang, K., & Park, H. W. (2016). The flow of international students from a macro perspective: A network analysis. Journal of Comparative and International Education, 46(4), 533–559. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2015.1015965 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2015.1015965

Boundless Immigration. (2024, June 27). U.S. sets new record with 1.1 million international students, finds new report. https://www.boundless.com/blog/u-s-sets-new-record-with-1-1-million-international-students-finds-new-report/

Brown, L., & Jones, I. (2013). Encounters with racism and the international student experience. Studies in Higher Education, 38(7), 1004–1019. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.614940 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.614940

Buckner, E., Chan, E., & Kim, C. (2022). Equity, diversity, and inclusion on Canadian universities: Where do international students fit in? Comparative and International Education, 51(1), 39–56. https://doi.org/10.5206/cie-eci.v51i1.14613 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5206/cie-eci.v51i1.14613

Chibani, W. (2014). The effectiveness of online and on-to-one tutoring in the writing center on the students’ achievement: A multiple case study. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, 41, 192–197. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ILSHS.41.192

Choudaha, R., & de Wit, H. (2019). The future of international higher education post-COVID-19. International Higher Education, 102, 2–3.

de Wit, H., & Altbach, P. G. (2021). Fighting for funding and against inequality post-COVID-19. International Higher Education, 105, 3–4.

de Wit, H., & Altbach, P. G. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 on the internationalization of higher education: Revolutionary or not? In Raj Kumar, C., Mukherjee, M., Belousova, T., Nair, N. (Eds.), Global higher education during and beyond COVID-19 (pp. 219–231). Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9049-5_18

Doucet, A., Netolicky, D., Timmers, K., & Tuscano, F. J. (2020). Thinking about pedagogy in an unfolding pandemic: An independent report on approaches to distance learning during COVID-19 school closures. UNESCO.

Elias, M. J., Zins, J. E., Weissberg, R. P., Frey, K. S., & Greenberg, M. T. (1997). Promoting social and emotional learning: Guidelines for educators. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

Fazel, M., Patel, V., Thomas, S., & Tol, W. (2014). Mental health interventions in schools in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(5), 388–398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70357-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70357-8

Gao, Y. (2021). Understanding of international doctoral students’ challenges: A literature review study. Journal of International Students, 11(2), 505–513. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i2.2065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i2.2065

Hwang, W.-C., Wood, J. J., Fujimoto, K. (2010). Acculturative family distancing and depression in Chinese American families. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(5), 655–657. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020542 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020542

Institute of International Education (IIE). (2024). Fall 2024 snapshot survey report: International student enrollment trends. https://www.iie.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IIE_Fall-2024-Snapshot_Full-Report.pdf

Jing, X., Ghosh, R., Sun, Z., & Liu, Q. (2020). Mapping global research related to international students: A scientometric review. Higher Education, 80, 415–433. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-019-00489-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-019-00489-y

Kaur, A., & Newell, S. (2024). The silent struggle: Experiences of non-native English-speaking psychology students. Australian Journal of Psychology, 76(1), 2360983. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2024.2360983 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2024.2360983

Krippendorff, K. (2018). Content analysis: An Introduction to its methodology (4th ed.). Sage. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071878781

Lee, J. Y., Hong, B., & Lee, J. (2024). International student crisis management to COVID-19: A comparative analysis between the United States and South Korea. Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education, 16(2), 163–179. http://dx.doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v16i2.5407 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v16i2.5407

Lenharo, M. (2023). The true cost of science’s language barrier for non-native English speakers. Nature, 619(7971), 678–679. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02320-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02320-2

Liang, W., Yuksekgonul, M., Mao, Y., Wu, E., & Zou, J. (2023). GPT detectors are biased against nonnative English writers. Patterns, 4(7), 100779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patter.2023.100779 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patter.2023.100779

Lomer, S., & Mittelmeier, J. (2021). Mapping the research on pedagogies with international students in the UK: A systematic literature review. Teaching in Higher Education, 28(6), 1243–1263. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2021.1872532 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2021.1872532

Marginson, S. (2018). Global trends in higher education: The role of international students. Studies in Higher Education, 43(9), 1665–1678. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2017.1404558

Maringe, F., & Foskett, N. (2013). Globalization and internationalization in higher education: Theoretical, strategic and management perspectives. Bloomsbury Academic.

Muganga, A., Mekonen, Y. K., Adarkwah, M. A., Oladipo, O. A., Nweze, C. N., & Bibi, S. (2025). Is everywhere I go home? Reflections on the acculturation journey of African international students in China. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2024.102136 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2024.102136

Neuendorf, K. A. (2017). The content analysis guidebook (2nd ed.). Sage. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071873045

OECD. (2021). Education at a glance 2021: OECD indicators. OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/b35a14e5-en DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/b35a14e5-en

Oluwatobi, A. (2024). Navigating uncertainty: The impact of global disruptions on international student mobility and well-being [Doctoral dissertation, University of Regina].

Pyhalto, K., Stubb, J., & Lonka, K. (2009). Developing scholarly communities as learning environments for doctoral students. International Journal for Academic Development, 14(3), 221–232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13601440903106551

Pham, H-H., Dong, T.K.T., Vuong, Q.H., Luong, D.H., Nguyen, T.T., Dinh, V.H., & Ho, M.T. (2021). A bibliometric review of research on international student mobilities in Asia with Scopus dataset between 1984 and 2019. Scientometrics, 126, 5201–5224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-021-03965-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-021-03965-4

Schmidt, M., & Hansson, E. (2018). Doctoral students’ well-being: A literature review. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 13(1), 1508171. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2018.1508171 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2018.1508171

Shapiro Library. (2023). Dissertations as scholarly sources. Southern New Hampshire University. https://libguides.snhu.edu/dissertations

Shen, W., Xu, X., & Wang, X. (2022). Reconceptualising international academic mobility in the global knowledge system: Towards a new research agenda. Higher Education, 84, 1317–1342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00931-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00931-8

Sotomayor, L., Murdie, R., & Walks, A. (2022, February 10). Toronto university students experience exploitation and discrimination in housing options. https://www.yorku.ca/yfile/2022/02/10/toronto-university-students-experience-exploitation-and-discrimination-in-housing-options/

Timilsina, R., & Bhurtel, S. (2024). Students’ attitude toward pursuance of higher education in abroad study: A study among grade 12 students in Pokhara. Kalika Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 6, 78–89. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/kjms.v6i1.72385

UNESCO. (2018). Migration, displacement, and education: Building bridges, not walls. UNESCO.

UNESCO. (2023). Global flow of tertiary-level students. UNESCO. https://uis.unesco.org/en/uis-student-flow

Weber‑Wulff, D., Anohina‑Naumeca, A., Bjelobaba, S. Foltýnek, T., Guerrero‑Dib, J., Popoola, O., Šigut, P., & Waddington, L. (2023). Testing of detection tools for AI‑generated text. International Journal for Educational Integrity, 19(26). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z

Wen-Xuan, S. R. T., Lin, A., Fisher, C., Bouras, H., D’Mello, C., Hill, J., Hansen, A., & Marriott, R. (2025). Understanding the risk and protective factors associated with depressive symptoms amongst international students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of International Students, 15(10), 199–249. https://doi.org/10.32674/47n8z156 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/47n8z156

Wu, Y., Liu, W., Liu, A., Lin-Schilstra, L., & Lyu, P. (2021). International students’ mental health care in China: A systematic review. Healthcare, 9(12), 1634. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121634 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121634

Yin, Z., Ong, L. E., Qiao, M. (2024). Psychological factors associated with Chinese

international students’ well-being in the United States: A systematic review. Journal of International Students, 14(4), 529–551.

Ying, Z., Kondo, A., & Piao, M. (2025). Mental health challenges among Chinese international students during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of depression and anxiety. Journal of International Students, 15(8), 209–230. https://doi.org/10.32674/4mzv0c33 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/4mzv0c33

Yip, S. Y., Khong, T. D. H., & Saito, E. (2024). Professional adaptation of international academics: A critical discussion through the lens of complexity theory. Higher Education Research & Development, 43(8), 1878–1891. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2024.2385359 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2024.2385359

Zhang, X., Hsu, K. C., Fleming, K. E., Liu, C. H., & Hahm, H. C. (2023). Home away from home: International students’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of US higher education. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1104200. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1104200 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1104200

Zhang, X., Wong, G. T. F., Liu, C. H., Hahm, H. C., & Chen, J. A. (2024). International student stressors and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Journal of American College Health, 72(4), 1027–1033. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2068015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2068015

Zhang, Y., & Shapiro, H. (2019). Economic impacts of international students on higher education institutions: An analysis. Journal of Education Finance, 44(4), 467–487.

Zhao, Z., & Harji, M. B. (2024). Systematic review of global research on acculturation of international students (2003-2023). Journal of International Students, 14(3), 427–447. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v14i3.6690

* REFERENCES (DISSERTATIONS)

Abdalhadi, M. A. S. (2023). The impact of the first language transfer on English language syntax for Arab ESL students at a private language center in a mid-size university town (Publication No. 30816352) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Arkansas]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Acquah, A. (2022). “Failure is not an option”: Sub-saharan African international graduate students’ experiences in U.S. higher education institutions (Publication No. 29169800) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Nevada]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Adenuga, T. (2022). Exploring adjustment challenges of Nigerian international students in U.S. higher education (Publication No. 29062269) [Doctoral dissertation, Morgan State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Adu-Wusu, S. (2024). Finding home away from home: Adaptation tactics of higher education African international students in the U.S. and its impact on their social and academic performance (Publication No. 31636394) [Doctoral dissertation, Indiana State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Alfarhan, K. (2024). International graduate student challenges and self-efficacy when studying in the United States (Publication No. 31330052) [Doctoral dissertation, Northern Illinois University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Alqahtani, N. (2023). Arabic students’ perspectives on writing center use and the impact of tutoring on their writing (Publication No. 30319120) [Doctoral dissertation, Washington State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Alshahrani, A. (2023). The impact of COVID-19 on international students’ perceptions in ePortfolio use at historically black university (Publication No. 30992793) [Doctoral dissertation, Tennessee State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Althobaiti, Z. (2023). An analysis of “lived experiences” of Saudi Arabian students enrolled in American universities based on the five senses of success model (Publication No. 30688859) [Doctoral dissertation, Niagara University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Alzukari, R. (2024). Academic self-efficacy, achievement motivation, and academic success of international graduate students (Publication No. 31485193) [Doctoral dissertation, Mississippi State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Amu, V. A. (2024). Leadership preparedness of international students attending American midwestern Jesuit Catholic universities (Publication No. 31334947) [Doctoral dissertation, Creighton University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Brush, M. A. (2022). Understanding declining international graduate student yield at private university (Publication No. 29394478) [Doctoral dissertation, Northeastern University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Buhendwa, J. K. (2023). The impact of external stakeholders’ collaboration on international student enrollment in the college of career and technical education in a city in the north-central United States: A case study (Publication No. 30527722) [Doctoral dissertation, Liberty University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Campbell, C. (2022). The impact of higher education on the socio-economic outcomes of Caribbean immigrants in the states of New York and New Jersey of the United States (Publication No. 29321782) [Doctoral dissertation, Fairleigh Dickinson University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Carr, A. A. (2023). Asian international student mental health in California colleges (Publication No. 30525790) [Doctoral dissertation, California State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Chen, S. (2024). Eyes on the future: A mixed-methods evaluation of real-time translation in augmented reality glasses (Publication No. 31331210) [Doctoral dissertation, The Florida State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Cypriano, D. A. (2024). Exploring mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in Japan (Publication No. 31141598) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Hawai'i]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Dang, T. X. (2022). Essays on the economics of immigration and intergenerational mobility (Publication No. 29324503) [Doctoral dissertation, Cornell University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Daraz, B. (2023). Cultural capital and academic advising for international students (Publication No. 29397345) [Doctoral dissertation, Fordham University].

Demirazi, S. (2024). Understanding the lived experiences of international students studying in the United States (Publication No. 31236534). [Doctoral dissertation, Trevecca Nazarene University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

DeSilva, A. M. (2022). Tailoring treatment for international college students who experience acculturative stress: A review of literature (Publication No. 28772478). [Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Domahidi, C. B. (2023). Immigration attitudes in America: Do college students view immigrants as criminals? (Publication No. 30419707) [Doctoral dissertation, Indiana University of Pennsylvania]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Elnakib, M. M. (2022). The Muslim American experience living in the Trump era: A qualitative study (Publication No. 28964656) [Doctoral dissertation, Alliant International University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Gallie, C. (2023). Non-traditional international students’ perceptions of support services: A phenomenological study (Publication No. 30693054) [Doctoral dissertation, University of West Georgia]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Gish-Lieberman, J. (2022). Educator identity development for international graduate teaching assistants through community of practice: A design case (Publication No. 29063676) [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Memphis]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Haitova, N. M. (2023). Experiences of female muslim international graduate student with children in the U.S.: Strategies to cope with academics and family life (Publication No. 30313695) [Doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Han, Y. (2022). Faculty perceptions of international graduate students in U.S. schools of education and students’ perceptions of their faculty and experiences (Publication No. 29391441) [Doctoral dissertation, State University of New York]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Hantke, K. (2024). The relationship of coping mechanisms and substance use in international college students (Publication No. 31301136) [Doctoral dissertation, California Lutheran University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Hashim, J. (2024). ESL educators’ descriptions of how ESL students use language learning strategies: A qualitative study (Publication No. 31482285) [Doctoral dissertation, Grand Canyon University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Hou, L. J. (2024). International students as diversity projects: Competing interests in higher education institutions (Publication No. 31496178) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Illinois]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Hu, P. (2022). International doctoral student socialization and leadership development: A phenomenological study at a U.S. university (Publication No. 28970551) [Doctoral dissertation, The Florida State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Huang, P. (2023). “It feels like you are isolated”: Exploring the ruling relations in the name of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through asian international school counseling students in CACREP-accredited programs (Publication No. 30575612) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Florida]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/2108105

Huang, Y. (2023). Crossing thresholds exploring scales of foreign student integration (Publication No. 30525120) [Doctoral dissertation, Pratt Institute]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Hwang, J. (2023). A narrative inquiry of post-secondary multilingual international students’ lived experiences related to mathematics (Publication No. 30426815) [Doctoral dissertation, Michigan State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Ihuoma, C. J. (2023). Exploring the experiences of Africa international students on institutional support services in a mid-atlantic community college (Publication No. 30690636) [Doctoral dissertation, Morgan State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Jabeen, R. (2023). The culture behind writing: An inquiry into the challenges and cultural influences on second language writing in the Canadian academic context (Publication No. 30402963) [Doctoral dissertation, Queen’s University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Jain, S. (2024). Faith in a foreign land: Acculturation and the religious and spiritual experiences of international students (Publication No. 31243210) [Doctoral dissertation, Texas Christian University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Jernigan, S. (2022). Creating institutional change: Addressing mental health concerns for international students to increase student success (Publication No. 30359942) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Jian, H. (2024). Predictors of willingness to seek psychological treatment among Chinese international students in the U.S (Publication No. 31557655) [Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Johnson, P. S. (2022). Gamified vocabulary learning for international students in the university EAP context (Publication No. 29209226) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Kadir, A. M. (2024). Does acculturative stress always lead to negative outcomes? Understanding the role acculturative stress plays in fostering social behaviors and improved well-being among international students (Publication No. 31330482) [Doctoral dissertation, Pace University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Kaur, J. (2024). From east to west: Exploring the mental health of Punjabi immigrants residing in British Columbia (Publication No. 31673999) [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Kim, T. (2024). Adapting to new environments: A study of acculturation processes and coping strategies among U.S. undergraduate students studying in South Korea (Publication No. 30997083) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Pennsylvania]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Kim, Y. R. (2022). Connections matter: Experiences of Korean international students in 4-year universities in the United States (Publication No. 29393294) [Doctoral dissertation, Azusa Pacific University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Klopfenstein, K. (2023). The professional pathway for international genetic counseling students in the United States (Publication No. 30422878) [Doctoral dissertation, Brandeis University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Kopperud, D. (2022). A convergent mixed methods study to explore the effect of unapproved part-time work on international students in South Korea (Publication No. 29063362) [Doctoral dissertation, Baylor University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Ladd-Minx, C. (2023). Retention and degree completion: A quantitative assessment of the impacts of study abroad on community college students (Publication No. 30417419) [Doctoral dissertation, Oklahoma State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Li, X. (2024). International students’ social integration and social support (Publication No. 31239505) [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Arizona]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Li, Y. (2023). Identity construction through English as lingua franca : A study on a group of international students from China at a UK university (Publication No. 30730063) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Southampton]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Liang, F. (2022). A path analysis of the relationships among mindsets, academic writing anxiety, and self-satisfaction with academic writing of Chinese graduate students (Publication No. 29399090) [Doctoral dissertation, The Florida State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Liu, K. Y. E. (2024). Positive Chinese cultural beliefs about adversity as a protective factor among Chinese immigrants (Publication No. 31301137) [Doctoral dissertation, Palo Alto University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Liu, M. (2023). Career preparation of international college students (Publication No. 30488043) [Doctoral dissertation, California Lutheran University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

McFarland, A. (2023). Let’s get down to business: Black students’ experiences at a business college (Publication No. 30427119) [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Arizona]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

McFerren, M. K. (2023). Leading department causes of acculturative stress among international students at a South Jersey public institution (Publication No. 30493320) [Doctoral dissertation, Rowan University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Mehta, N. (2023). Sociocultural adaptation of international students in the United States of America (Publication No. 30493156) [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Arizona]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Mpofu, M. (2023). Experiences of African international students during COVID-19: A study at a university in the Gauteng province, South Africa (Publication No. 30943116) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Pretoria]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Myers, L. M. (2023). Testing the trust, confidence, and cooperation model with international students and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spokespersons (Publication No. 30725387) [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Nesfield, F. L. (2023). International students’ perception of the development of their digital academic writing identity based on their participation in an intensive English language program (Publication No. 30245830) [Doctoral dissertation, Pepperdine University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Odegbami, O. B. (2022). International student compliance: The regulatory dilemma of student and exchange visitor program (SEVP)-certified urban community colleges (Publication No. 29396172) [Doctoral dissertation, Kansas State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Oh, T. (2022). Essays on immigration & education economics (Publication No. 30505716) [Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Ooi, P. (2022). “If I’m here to teach means I'm really good”: An ipa study into international academic staff lived experiences: Challenges, coping strategies, investment, and identity (Publication No. 30533896) [Doctoral dissertation, Bournemouth University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Opoku, G. (2023). A qualitative study of the time of completion for African graduate students at Andrews University (Publication No. 30486772) [Doctoral dissertation, Andrews University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Pack, T. L. (2022). Chinese students’ experiences at New England university and its influence on future enrollment: A phenomenological study (Publication No. 28970853) [Doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Qureshi, A. (2023). Academic adjustment of international students in U.S. higher education (Publication No. 30527223) [Doctoral dissertation, California State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Raack, C. (2024). The networking practices of community college ELLs in support of their needs (Publication No. 31636115) [Doctoral dissertation, Arizona State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Robert, P. (2023). International doctoral student experiences in educational administration programs in the United States: A phenomenological study (Publication No. 30632442) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Denver]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Roberts, M. D. (2023). Courageous followership in student affairs: An exploration of women serving in dual roles as leaders and followers (Publication No. 30426572) [Doctoral dissertation, Indiana Institute of Technology]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Rodriguez, D. (2023). A mixed-method study: Barriers and support services for international students at three identified university of louisiana system institutions (Publication No. 30575077) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Louisiana]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Sanchez-Ramirez, P. (2023). Examining the influence of nested contexts of reception on undocumented graduate students (Publication No. 30615801) [Doctoral dissertation, North Carolina State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Sandberg, A. R. (2022). Student perspectives on pre-departure orientation in study abroad: A mixed methods analysis (Publication No. 29161937). [Doctoral dissertation, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Schell, E. P. (2024). Culturally responsive advising: A new avenue for supporting Chinese international and Chinese American students (Publication No. 31460390) [Doctoral dissertation, Stanford University].

Screws, B. E. (2022). Online sojourner communities: What can sojourners learn from them and do they aid cultural adaptation? (Publication No. 29399625) [Doctoral dissertation, The Florida State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Sisaket, L. N. (2022). Interrogating whiteness in graduate education culture: A phenomenological exploration of Southeast Asian American graduate student experiences (Publication No. 29213091) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Denver]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Stamp, K. M. (2022). Reframing the “diversity abroad” challenge: Exploring the relationship between institutional program approval processes and inclusion in study abroad (Publication No. 30245130) [Doctoral dissertation, State University of New York]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Tharp, P. D. (2022). Missional ministry in a multiethnic church: A case study of Grace Point Alliance Church (Publication No. 29167180) [Doctoral dissertation, Northeastern Seminary]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Thibault, N. (2022). Faculty-student interaction and academic outcomes in Korean universities (Publication No. 29238472) [Doctoral dissertation, American College of Education].

Thompson, B. S. (2023). The past matters: An exploration of international student community integration and institutional histories (Publication No. 30491053) [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Alabama]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Valuyeetham, P. S. (2022). Acculturative stress, psychological distress, and attitudes towards seeking help of Southeast Asian international students (Publication No. 29209895) [Doctoral dissertation, Adler University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Voelker, N. (2023). Perspectives of international graduate students and faculty in higher education: An analysis of classroom practices and pedagogy (Publication No. 30694310) [Doctoral dissertation, New York University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Wu, Y. (2023). Stress, coping, and adjustment of international students during COVID-19: A mixed-methods study (Publication No. 30566361) [Doctoral dissertation, Fordham University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Wuysang, H. T. (2022). The acculturation process of international students in CACREP counseling programs: A grounded theory approach (Publication No. 29992534) [Doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Xu, Y. (2024). Integrating psychoeducational program with short-term therapy for asian international college students: A randomized controlled clinical trial (Publication No. 31635462) [Doctoral dissertation, Adelphi University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Zhang, B. (2023). Exploring the experiences of international doctoral students seeking employment in the United States using grounded theory (Publication No. 30571205) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Hartford]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/IP.24.2102465

Zhao, D. (2023). The impact of using smartphone language learning applications on Chinese international students’ willingness to communicate (wtc): A Confucian heritage cultural (chc) perspective (Publication No. 30770636) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Bath]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Zheng, J. (2023). Looking through their eyes: A multiple case study of Asian international students’ perceptions and experiences of race, racialization, racism, and neo-racism at a historically White institution in the United States (Publication No. 30422449) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Maryland]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Zhou, L. (2022). Expectations, challenges, and strategies for developing global competence: Experiences of Chinese international graduate students in the United States (Publication No. 29394050) [Doctoral dissertation, University of California]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Zhu, Y. (2024). Career development for Chinese international undergraduate students at a four-year US institution (Publication No. 30989908) [Doctoral dissertation, Indiana University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Published

2026-02-10

Issue

Section

Research Articles (English, regular edition)

Categories

How to Cite

Bista, K., Oladipo, O. A., Ge, L., & Qin, T. (2026). Emerging trends and challenges in international student research: A content analysis of recent dissertations (2022–2024). Journal of International Students, 16(4), 103-138. https://doi.org/10.32674/86wewd47

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 1 2 3