Chinese Students and the Experience of International Doctoral Study in STEM: Using a Multi-World Model to Understand Challenges and Success

This book explores the diverse and challenging experiences of Chinese international STEM doctoral students at Australian institutes of higher education, highlighting the importance of the supervisor-mentee relationship and cultural, social, and philosophical values in supporting their successful completion of the PhD degree. It provides new insights into the ways in which these experiences vary across students and may apply in other national contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the diverse and intricate experiences of Chinese international STEM doctoral students at Australian higher education institutions, shedding light on the intricate negotiations they engage in to attain academic success and personal transformation. Through a rich tapestry of qualitative and longitudinal research methods, the book forefronts the narratives of these students, employing a novel three-dimensional multi-world framework to understand their experiences in a holistic manner. By integrating Chinese philosophical perspectives and theories from the fields of educational psychology, international education, and doctoral education, the analysis offers a profound interpretation of the nuances, complexities, and unique characteristics of the cross-cultural STEM PhD experience. It highlights the significance of the supervisor-mentee relationship and the role of students' cultural, social, and philosophical values in fostering their successful completion of the doctoral degree. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the ways in which these experiences differ among students and have the potential to be applied in other national contexts, as well as to non-STEM student cohorts.

This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and academics engaged in cross-cultural education, the sociology of education, and international and comparative education. It holds particular appeal to those with a focus on international doctoral education and cultural Asian studies. By exploring the complex interplay between research, personal life, and social experiences, this volume contributes to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese international STEM doctoral students in their academic journey. It offers valuable insights into the strategies they employ to navigate the cultural, academic, and personal landscapes, paving the way for future research and policy interventions to support their success and well-being.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032193670