Exploring international students' perspectives on being ‘international’

Abstract

International student mobility has garnered significant attention in higher education research. Despite this attention, a fundamental question persists in the field: What does it mean to be an ‘international student’, as perceived by the students themselves? This article presents the findings of a phenomenological qualitative study to delve into the lived experiences of 12 undergraduate students from one university in Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on elucidating these students' self‐perceptions as international students. The study challenges the conventional definition that often emphasizes geographic or visa‐related criteria, leading to homogenization. It underscores the diversity among international students, emphasizing that their unique experiences, backgrounds, personal narratives and perspectives play a pivotal role in shaping their multiple identities and sense of self.