This edited volume offers a rigorous, multidimensional exploration of the international student journey across the United States and Canada. Drawing on diverse disciplinary perspectives and current research, the book illuminates the cultural, academic, and psychosocial challenges students face—from initial adjustment and language barriers to identity development and community integration—while also highlighting the long-term opportunities that shape their educational and professional trajectories.
Beyond documenting student experiences, the book situates international education within broader demographic and workforce realities, particularly the growing reliance on global talent to address aging labor markets in North America. By bringing together scholars from around the world, this volume provides a timely and comprehensive resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and higher education leaders committed to supporting international student success and strengthening global mobility pathways.
Edited by Taiwo O. Soetan, Omonigho S. Umukoro, Oluwarotimi O. Odeh, and David Hoa Khoa Nguyen
Taiwo O. Soetan (Ph.D.) was an Associate Professor of Business at the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Dickinson State University (DSU), Dickinson, North Dakota, and an External Examiner in the Graduate (Doctoral) Program at the School of Leadership Studies, Fielding Graduate University, California, United States. Prior to DSU, Soetan taught several business courses as a full-time faculty at two of Canada’s higher education institutions. He obtained his graduate qualifications at the Master level (MBA, ME, MA, and MSc) and Ph.D. from universities in the U.K, Canada, and the U.S. Dr. Soetan is a Project Management Professional (PMP), and his articles have been published in peer review journals and edited books. He is the co-author of the book, “Financial services in Nigeria: The path towards financial inclusion, economic development, and sustainable growth” that was published by Palgrave Macmillan.
Omonigho Simon Umukoro (Ph.D.) is a faculty at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is an accomplished scholar and educator with a diverse background in organizational and social psychology. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Ibadan where he received commendations and a prize for the publication of his doctoral thesis. With an impressive academic journey that includes a master’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree and a Professional Diploma in Statistics, Dr. Umukoro has consistently demonstrated his commitment to scholarship. He is an active member of various professional organizations including the Nigerian Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, and a host of others, showcasing his dedication to advancing the field of Psychology. He is a recipient of Award for the 2023 ARVA-Carnegie Early Career Postdoctoral Fellowship. He recently completed his research fellow at the ARVA Center of Excellence in Notions of Identity at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Oluwarotimi Odeh (Ph.D.) is a Professor of Agricultural Economics with more than 18 years of experience as a faculty member, a mentor, and advisor to students in three public universities in the United States. Before he immigrated to the United States in early 2001 for his graduate studies, he worked for Nigeria’s premier bank for several years. He is currently the Rolland Starn Endowed Chair of Agriculture at California State University, Stanislaus, California, where he oversees the institution’s agriculture program. Dr Odeh has most recently been a recipient of the Carnegie African Diaspora Program and recently completed a seven-month Fulbright Fellowship in Nigeria, where he was a mentor and advisor to many students and young faculty members. He sits on the advisory board of local schools and provides input to enhance learning experiences of students in and out of the classroom.
David Hoa Khoa Nguyen (Ph.D.) is an Associate Professor of Urban Education Leadership and Policy and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Indiana University, Indianapolis, United States. Prior to academia, Nguyen was a full-time practicing attorney in immigration, family, and administrative law. He is licensed to practice in the state and federal courts of Indiana, North Dakota, and Texas. He has a BSc Ed. In Secondary Education and an MBA, J.D., AND Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies from Indiana University. He obtained a Master of Advanced Legal Studies from Leiden University in the Netherlands as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar.
Table of Contents
Foreword Art R. Malloy
Series Editor’s Note Krishna Bista
Chapter 1
Pre-Departure Preparation for African International Students in U.S. and Canadian Higher Education Institutions Alice Kanyama
Chapter 2
Intercultural Communication Experiences of International Students: An Example from a Post-Soviet Context Oseremi Olivia Jagbojo
Chapter 3
International Transfer Students at U.S. Community Colleges Caitlyn Potter Glaser
Chapter 4
Care and Academic Mobility: Narratives of International Doctoral Student Mothers from the Global South Yulu Hou
Chapter 5
Welcoming the Whole Household: Ethical Responsibilities Toward International Graduate Student Families in Christian Higher Education Junyan (Emma) Zhu
Chapter 6
Navigating Dual Worlds: The Lived Realities of International Graduate Student Parents in U.S. Higher Education Sayyora Ibadullaeva
Chapter 7
“It’s a Bigger Sea, You’re Gonna Need a Strong Boat”: International Students’ Experiences of Academic Expectations and Setbacks in Canada Susan He
Chapter 8
Student Engagement and Leadership as a Support System for International Students Laura Vaughn and Van Anh Tran
Chapter 9
A Review of Syllabus Design for Online Courses in American Higher Education Yusuf Marafa
Chapter 10
From Misconception to Separation: How Race Affects International Students’ Sense of Belonging in the United States Adrijana Miladinović
Chapter 11
Fitting In and Holding On: A Model-Based Autoethnography of Micro-Level Acculturative Stressors Among African-Born International Students in the U.S. Ehi-Kowochio Blessing Ogwiji
Chapter 12
International Students’ Perceptions of Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Programs Wei Dai
Chapter 13
Understanding the Mental Health Experiences of Racialized International Students in Canada JesusMiracle Chiadika
Chapter 14
Contributions of International Student Athletes to the U.S. and Canadian Economies Eniola Soetan and Taiwo O. Soetan
Passport to Possibilities: Black Experiences in Global Engagement brings together reflections from thirteen Black contributors across the globe, including Black students, faculty, staff, educators, and professionals based in the United States, Canada, Germany, and South Africa, offering powerful insights into what it means to be Black and abroad. Through research, storytelling, and critical reflection, the book centers Black experiences in global education, challenging long-standing assumptions about who participates in international learning and why it matters. Each chapter presents a deeply personal narrative that explores the intersections of race, identity, belonging, access, and mobility within global contexts. The contributors reveal both the challenges and transformative potential of international engagement, framing global learning as a pathway to personal empowerment and social justice. The book calls for a reimagined global education field—one where Black voices, leadership, and lived experiences are essential to creating more inclusive, equitable, and transformative forms of global mobility.
Editors Patricia C. Timmons, Harvard Kennedy School Trina R. Bryant, Suffolk University
Table of Contents
1. Bridging the Gap: Black Students’ Experiences in Global Mobility Programs at U.S. Community Colleges
2. Improving Access & Engagement: Black Lives in Global Spaces
3. Neurodivergence and Study Abroad: Strategies to Create Inclusive Opportunities for Neurodivergent Students
4. Reshaping Identity and Finding Belonging in the Global Community
5. Teaching With the Ancestors’ Compass: An Endarkened Journey Through Global Classrooms
6. Navigating the Grey Area of Studying Abroad While Black
7. Becoming A Scholar: Resilience, Community, and the Journey to Study Abroad
8. Voices From the South: Reflections from Black, Southern Female Scholars Breaking Myths and Charting New Territory Abroad
9. A Tale of Two Cities: Hospitality and Discovery
10. Likkle But Tallawah: A Black Jamaican Woman's Journey Through Student Affairs in the Us and the Middle East
11. Traveling While Black: Reimagining Mobility and Self-Image
12. Becoming American in Japan: A Black Woman’s Reflection On Identity and Belonging in Japan
13. Leaping the Boundaries of Access: A Reflexive Account of Black Caribbean Mobility Through Japan’s Jet Program
14. The Proof and the Promise: Reclaiming History, Belonging, and Joy
Global Partnerships: Successes and Strategies brings together a rich collection of articles that illuminate how meaningful international collaborations are built, sustained, and transformed over time. Written from a wide range of institutional perspectives, the volume offers in-depth case studies alongside conceptual pieces that unpack the philosophical foundations of global engagement. Contributors share concrete lessons learned, practical guidance, and candid reflections that shed light on both the opportunities and challenges inherent in international partnership work. A consistent theme across the volume is the importance of flexibility, resilience, and relationship-building. The articles highlight the pivotal roles of individual champions, institutional leaders, and campus-wide support systems in advancing enduring partnerships. Readers will also find compelling stories of unexpected growth, as collaborations evolve into broader activities such as joint lectures, virtual exchanges, and community engagement initiatives. While focused on institution-to-institution partnerships, the volume underscores the power of wider community involvement—an area in which community colleges and similar institutions excel.
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Table of Contents
Editors’ Introduction Robin Matross Helms and Krishna Bista
Cultivating Wonder: Curriculum, Context, and Connection Wojciech (Voytek) Wloch
Cloud Forest Collaboration: Linn-Benton Community College’s Costa Rica Exchange Partnership Lisa Avery and Katie Winder
An Enduring Relational Partnership: A 30-Year Global Collaboration between McLennan Community College and Masaryk University Amy Antoninka and Johnette McKown
Impactful Collaborations: Using Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) to Facilitate Meaningful Connections Across Borders at the Alamo Colleges District Lindsey Kline
Mapping Global Partnerships: The Case of Symbiosis Skills Universities and Aalen University Swati Mujumdar
Building Strategic Partnerships for Global Education at Monroe Community College: A Case Study with Cornell University’s Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies Christina Heyon Lee
Establishing Dynamics for Successful Growth of Global Engagement Partnerships: A Step-by-Step Approach Stacye Fraser Thompson
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools based on advanced language models, such as ChatGPT and Bard, is transforming industries and professions worldwide, and higher education is no exception. ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI, has created a substantial amount of conversation and controversy across academia regarding what generative AI means for teaching and learning in the classroom. There is plenty of speculation not only about how those innovations will affect the academic profession but also what unique opportunities and challenges they present to global higher education. In this book, authors delve into the impact of AI and ChatGPT on higher education leadership and management, examining potential opportunities and challenges that this innovative technology presents to teaching, research, program, and policy.
The primary purpose of this volume is to provide a comprehensive, research-driven analysis of AI chatbots’ roles in shaping institutions of higher education around the world. By exploring the transformative potential of ChatGPT in academic settings, this timely book aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and its practical applications. In the long run, we anticipate that this volume will provide valuable insights and guidance for teacher-scholars, university administrators, and policymakers on leveraging this cutting-edge technology effectively and responsibly.
Edited By Xi Lin, Roy. Y Chan, Shyam Sharma, Krishna Bista
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This book offers a practical and research-informed foundation for future community college leaders navigating the evolving digital landscape. Centered on the integration of educational technology into institutional planning, pedagogy, student success, and leadership, the book guides readers in critically evaluating digital tools, designing inclusive solutions, and anticipating emerging trends such as generative AI, cybersecurity, and equity-driven innovation. Blending theory, case studies, and reflective practice, this book equips doctoral students and practitioners with the skills needed to lead transformation in community colleges through ethical and strategic use of technology.
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"This book is a vital resource for community college leaders, offering practical strategies to navigate technological change while prioritizing equitable student success. Its concise, actionable insights make it essential for shaping inclusive and innovative educational environments."
— Lance D. Bowen, PhD, Dean, School of Science, Technology & Education, Anne Arundel Community College, Maryland
"A timely and transformative contribution, this book illuminates how community colleges can embrace digital innovation while staying true to their mission of access and equity. It is both practical and visionary, offering strategies that leaders, faculty, and staff can immediately apply to strengthen student success in a rapidly evolving landscape."
— Roshelle Lemon-Howard, EdD, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor & Coordinator, Practical Nursing Certificate Program, Baltimore City Community College
"This book provides an authentic look into the challenges and opportunities within community colleges. It highlights innovative practices that empower faculty and future educators, making it an invaluable guide for those committed to student success and educational equity."
— Melenese Sivells, EdD, Professor of Education, Northampton Community College
"This book powerfully demonstrates how community college leaders can harness AI to drive innovation while keeping equity at the center of decision-making. It is an essential guide for faculty and program directors preparing students—and institutions—for the future of higher education." — Huong Nguyen, EdD, Program Director, Montgomery College
“As a community college administrator, I found this book an invaluable guide that bridges innovation with access, showing how AI can be leveraged to enhance equity, efficiency, and student achievement.”
— Lesley Shotts, EdD, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Grants, and Research / Title III Administrator / Accreditation Liaison, Drake State Community & Technical College
Based on their personal experiences spanning various facets of the international student life cycle in the U.S., the authors of the book “ Navigating the ‘American Dream’ ” recognized the pressing need for a resource that goes beyond and above, offering comprehensive information, resources, and practical tips. Unlike existing publications, this book is a trailblazer, covering the entire spectrum of international students’ educational journey in the U.S., providing essential insights, resources, and strategies to address students’ diverse needs.
Authors
Bo Zhang University of Hartford, USA Emmah Muema University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA Shenhaye Ferguson University of Denver, USA Rachel Kamnkhwani University of Denver, USA Luke Parker University of Kansas, USA Candice Peters Appalachian State University, USA
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This book provides an essential forum—giving primary voice to a group not often heard—for international students to share their unique experiences, trials, triumphs, and paths of acculturation in US higher education. In their own words and experiences, they detail how their world touches our American campus communities and academic settings. Filled with pathos, their narratives are steeped in angst and triumph, disappointment and humor, and loss and eventual victory. Selected international student narratives for this book bring a non-western perspective that allows for anyone involved in US higher education to gain increased insights into how we serve our students. This work contains 28 narratives written by international students and scholars from around the world. This book is a unique resource for faculty, students, and administrators interested in learning more about the lived experiences of international students and scholars.
EDITORS
Krishna Bista, EdD, is a Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy at Morgan State University School of Education and Urban Studies, Maryland. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7893-8275
Gregory F. Malveaux, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of English and Literature and is the College-wide Coordinator of Study Abroad and International Education at Montgomery College, Maryland. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2456-6581
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This book of abstracts based on the 2023 STAR Global Conference on the theme of "Transformative Education for an Interconnected and Equitable World" is a seminal volume featuring an array of scholarly presentations that dissect the evolving landscape of global education. The collection traverses a multitude of perspectives, from the intricacies of fostering digital competencies and tackling the ethics of scientific research to implementing internationalization with a spirit of reciprocity and cultivating transformational creativity in educational practices. It spotlights technological advancements through systematic reviews of gamified learning, virtual intercultural dialogues, and the arts' role in nurturing critical citizenship. It also offers a forward-looking approach to online learning and linguistically-driven AI innovations in India.