International Doctoral Student Experience

Compassion, Connection, Commitment, and Creativity

Authors

  • Jing Mao University of Vicotoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v12i4.3668

Keywords:

International doctoral students, rhythm of doctoral studies, 4Cs, Learner Agency

Abstract

International doctoral students live with more uncertainty than most academic populations. In this essay, I attempt to provide a framework for living an international doctoral life by reflecting on my academic studies and personal living practices, drawing on van Lier’s (2008) notion of learner agency. Living a rhythm of life through compassion, connection, commitment, and creativity could holistically benefit the academic studies and wellbeing of international doctoral students.

Author Biography

  • Jing Mao, University of Vicotoria

    Jing Mao currently is a recent Ph.D. graduate from the University of Victoria, Canada. Her research focuses on internationalization of higher education, academic writing, EAL students, and (second) language socialization. Before immigrating into Canada in 2015, she had taught EAL students for eight years at post-secondary level in China. 

References

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Dufva, H. (2013). Language learning as dialogue and participation. In E. Christensen, L. Kuure, A. Mörch, & B. Lindström (Eds.), Problem-based learning for the 21st century. New Practices and Learning Environments (pp. 51-72). Aalborg: Aalborg University Press.

van Lier, L. (2004). The ecology and semiotics of language learning: A sociocultural perspective. Norwell, Mass; Boston; Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic.

van Lier, L. (2008). Agency in the classroom. In J. P. Lantolf, & M. E. Poehner (Eds.), Sociocultural theory and the teaching of second languages (pp. 163–186). London: Equinox.

Zhang, Z., & Zhou, G. (2010). Understanding Chinese international students at a Canadian university: Perspectives, expectations, and experiences. Comparative and International Education, 39(3), 43-58. https://doi.org/10.5206/cie-eci.v39i3.9162

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Published

2022-01-03

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2022)

Section

Cross-Border Narratives

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Journal of International Students

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

All published articles are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 Unported License.

How to Cite

International Doctoral Student Experience: Compassion, Connection, Commitment, and Creativity. (2022). Journal of International Students, 12(4), 1032-1037. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v12i4.3668