Talking to Asian International Students about Identity at UMass Amherst: Racial Stereotypes, Cultural Adjustment, and Intercultural Communication

Presenter

Ziqi Ding

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Leda Cooks, Department of Communication, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A81, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 5 (A81-A100) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Objective: International education has become a huge industry in the U.S. Asian countries have consistently sent the largest number of international students, about 70%, to American colleges and universities during the past four decades. International students at US colleges and universities face difficulties in establishing their identity and navigating racial stereotypes, due to the need to integrate into a new culture and society characterized by diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds (Li & Gasser, 2005; Ma et al., 2020; Yasuda & Duan, n.d.). This thesis investigated the conceptions of identity, encountered with racial stereotypes toward Asian international students, as well as the potential stereotypes they held towards others, which may induce obstacles for intercultural communication, the process of cultural adjustment, and socialization among Asian international students studying at UMass Amherst. The objective of the thesis was to collect and disseminate the experiences of Asian international students, with the aim of enhancing awareness of the challenges around identity. Additionally, we hoped to foster greater understanding and support for international students, reduce instances of anti-Asian discrimination, and improve intercultural communication. By engaging in discussions about identity, Asian international students could provide firsthand accounts of experiences with their unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of how these students perceive their identities, navigate race issues, and engage in intercultural communication within the campus community.

Keywords

acculturation and socialization, identity, stereotype, international students, campus life

Research Area

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

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