International graduate students: Unique stories and missing voices in higher education

Abstract

Amid the globalized environment of higher education, international graduate students remain vital contributors to U.S. institutions as they contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy annually, drive innovation, and play a significant role in diversifying and globalizing U.S. institutions. Open Doors reported that international students constituted 4.7% of the U.S. higher education demographic in the 2021/2022 academic year and 40.6% of international students are enrolled in graduate degree programs. Despite such significant representation, research predominantly concentrates on undergraduate international students, often overlooking the graduate segment. This article seeks to amplify the voices of international graduate students, detailing their distinctive challenges and successes in the U.S. academic landscape. Addressing areas such as academic support, socioemotional well‐being, and professional development, the project underscores the critical roles these students play, both academically and in the U.S. workforce. By shedding light on the nuanced experiences of this cohort, we advocate for more informed, culturally sensitive approaches to supporting international graduate students.