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Dissertation
Employment Decisions Of International Graduate Students: A Phenomenological Study
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2025
Abstract
Many international students aspire to reside and work in the United States, yet they encounter obstacles such as language barriers, acculturative stress, and career-related decision-making challenges. This study delves into the employment decisions of international graduates at an American university. It employs Lent et al.'s (1994) Social Cognitive Career Theory as its theoretical framework, with self-efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, and goals shaping the research questions. Utilizing intensity purposeful sampling, the study selects a limited number of rich cases to offer profound insights. The findings underscore the significance of prior work experience, family and friends, and role models in shaping the personal self-efficacy beliefs of international students opting to live and work in the United States. Moreover, motivations for this decision are attributed to the allure of improved living conditions and expectations of a promising future. Additionally, personal goals, encompassing financial independence, family support, and community development, play a pivotal role in the employment decisions of international graduate students. The research sheds light on the impact of mastery experiences, self-efficacy, and personal goals in decision-making. Suggestions for future research include examining educational interventions and university support systems to enhance self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations for international graduate students. Furthermore, there is a call for investigations into the influence of immigration and visa policies on employment decisions and an exploration of U.S. employers' perceptions regarding hiring international graduate students.
Details
- Title
- Employment Decisions Of International Graduate Students
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Contributors
- Patrick Yang (Committee Co-Chair)Wisdom Y Mensah (Committee Co-Chair)Mark Malisa (Committee Member)Aneta Walker (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 162
- Copyright
- Unpublished work © Sarah Safi Savadogo
- Identifiers
- 99381469453206600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida