The Experiences of Black International Students at the College of Idaho

AUTHOR: Esther Ezeogu
FACULTY: Jen Wallin-Ruschman
DEPARTMENT: Psychology

ABSTRACT

Being a student at college in a foreign country can be hard, international students face many difficulties on college campuses, such as learning to live in a new place, homesickness, stereotypes, and discrimination. Black international students also experience racism. International students make up about 5.5% of the student population in USA and roughly 20% of the College of Idaho student population. As a Black international student at the College of Idaho, I have felt welcomed and unwelcomed, based on these feelings I wanted to explore the experiences of other Black international students at the College of Idaho. Using a qualitative approach, I focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of Black International students at the college. Interviews were conducted to best highlight the voices and opinions of Black international students. Data were collected through six semi-structured interviews allowing for issues to emerge based on individuals’ unique experiences and perceptions. Interview transcripts were coded using Thematic Content Analysis. Participants shared insight into the inclusivity of course content, interactions with local students, faculty and staff as well as their opinions on how the college deals with issues concerning Black and international students. It was important to explore the experiences of Black international students because they are making up an increasingly high percentage of the student population and may experience unique challenges and have unique needs. A better understanding the experience of Black international students could help identify the resources and solutions needed to help international students adjust to the foreign environment and feel welcomed at the college.