UCLA

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how Chinese and Indian international students in the United States utilize forms of capital and migrant networks to navigate their U.S. institution of higher education to achieve their educational goals. This study sought to answer its research questions by using a combination of in-person interviews with international students studying at a postsecondary institution in the U.S. as well as document analysis of websites of groups and organizations that offer support and guidance to international students. Findings from this study identified unique forms of mobility capital that were developed by international students prior to their arrival to the U.S., particularly through education activities designed to prepare future international students to study in a foreign country. Additionally, this study identified that international students drew upon support from a large transnational network that spans the globe during their postsecondary studies, but had limited interaction with migrant communities in the U.S. outside of those who are family or family friends.