An Intersectional Understanding of International Female Doctoral Students’ Experiences

A Narrative Inquiry

Authors

  • Sabrina Syed The University of Newcastle, Australia
  • I-Fang Lee University of Newcastle, Australia

Abstract

International PhD students face multiple challenges in their academic learning experiences, including language barriers, cultural differences, and having to deal with personal matters while negotiating everyday life in a foreign country. Nested within the epistemological positioning of feminist standpoint theory and intersectionality, this chapter explores the multiple layers of socio-cultural and academic study experiences of international female doctoral students in the Australian tertiary education system. Using a narrative inquiry approach, the analysis and discussion draw on students’ personal stories to open up a space to better understand the complexity of international female doctoral students’ experiences when studying in Australia. 

Author Biographies

  • Sabrina Syed, The University of Newcastle, Australia

    SABRINA SYED, PhD, is in her early academic career. Dr Syed is passionate about teaching and researching equal rights and social justice in education and society. Dr Syed completed her PhD in July 2022 and currently works as a sessional academic staff at the University of Newcastle. Her major research interests lie in academic integrity, higher education research, multiculturalism, diversity and equality. Email: shejuty_du@yahoo.com and Sabrina.Syed@newcastle.edu.au 

  • I-Fang Lee, University of Newcastle, Australia

    I-FANG LEE, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle. Dr Lee's teaching, research trajectories and scholarly publications have focused on contemporary issues relating to equity and justice in early childhood care and education to unpack what is taken for granted in research, policy, curriculum and pedagogical practices related to childhoods, families and programs. Dr Lee's intercultural teaching and research projects are strongly nested across multiple geopolitical locations, including East Asia, Australia, and the United States. She engages in interdisciplinary collaborations to advocate the local and global importance of inclusive and holistic education for all. Email: I-Fang.Lee@newcastle.edu.au

Published

2022-10-22

Issue

2023: International Graduate and Doctoral Student Experience: Navigating Relationships, Resources, and Resilience

Section

Navigating International Doctoral Student Experience

How to Cite

An Intersectional Understanding of International Female Doctoral Students’ Experiences: A Narrative Inquiry. (2022). Comparative & International Education Series. https://ojed.org/cies/article/view/3804