Open AccessBecoming an Intercultural Doctoral Student
Author(s) -
Tram Anh Bui
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of international students
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2166-3750
pISSN - 2162-3104
DOI - 10.32674/jis.v11i1.1272
Subject(s) - intercultural competence , intercultural learning , pedagogy , intercultural communication , adventure , intercultural relations , sociocultural evolution , vietnamese , cultural competence , sociology , study abroad , dialectic , psychology , international education , higher education , anthropology , political science , epistemology , linguistics , philosophy , computer science , operating system , law
International students experience both challenges and possibilities when they situate themselves in new sociocultural environments. The process of intercultural learning affects their self-formation and construction of their multiple identities. This self-reflective paper examines my experience as an international doctoral student transitioning from a Vietnamese cultural background to Canadian culture. By using concentric storying to deconstruct my journal entries, I found recurrent themes of conflicts and tensions emerging through different dialectical processes in my journey of becoming an intercultural doctoral student. My intercultural learning exposed my vulnerable self while I searched for my core values and beliefs. This journey has brought profound changes in making meaning of my adventure in transnational space. My story may shed light on the understanding of life in transition and provide direction for other international doctoral students seeking to enhance their intercultural competence in a similar educational landscape.