September 11, 2024

By Sophie Rentschler

“Beyond the Borders of Belongingness: A Study of International Students at MU” was a qualitative research study conducted by Hannah Gates, a undergraduate student at MU, completed in partnership with Cambio Center Director, Dr. Lisa Dorner, as part of the Honors College research program. Gates pushed her research beyond the forefront, investigating what may influence international students’ sense of belonging at MU. Gates’ “why” behind this study was to encourage the creation of initiatives to promote one’s well-being and feelings of belonging on campus.  

The voices behind this study are nine MU graduate students coming from across the globe, including from Latin America, the Middle East, South-East Asia, and East Asia.  

“More people should engage with international students to better understand their needs and experiences,” Gates wrote in her research poster. 

Gates’ process consisted of examining different outstanding factors in the day-to-day of the international students she worked with to conduct the study: Attitudes, backgrounds, integration into academic and social communities, and educational and social relationships. These categories were created using transcription and coding techniques to identify reoccurring topics and anomalies.  

Diversity in responses from the study were revealed, showing that some participants felt strong support from the community around MU, while others encountered cultural misconceptions and academic challenges, Gates said.  

What were key themes that influenced sense of belonging?  

Gates said participants noted that significance of one’s advisor and academic support network, the role of community groups in academic and social integration, and challenges in adapting to the academic and social environment at MU.  

Study prompts need for change 

Noted in the study, other demographics like student athletes and asylum seekers may confirm these findings in studies to come.  

“By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging existing support networks, MU can enhance the sense of belonging among its international student community and promote their overall well-being,” Gates wrote in her research poster.