Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9959-685X
Date Available
5-6-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
Education
Department/School/Program
Educational Policy Studies and Eval
Faculty
Dr. Jungmin Lee
Faculty
Dr. Eric Weber
Faculty
Dr. Jane Jensen
Abstract
This study explores the engagement experiences of international female Arab Gulf students while studying in U.S. higher education institutions. Thus, a phenomenological approach through a qualitative research design was applied to collect data based on semi-structured interviews with eleven female participants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. The researcher conducted the interviews to ascertain how these students perceive and experience academic, social, and cultural engagements and the factors influencing their adjustment and integration into American university communities. During the data collection process, concrete measures were taken to establish the credibility and trustworthiness of the research findings. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, allowing for the identification and adjustment of key themes to reflect the overall participants’ experiences. The study identified essential aspects influencing their engagement on campus.
The findings show that engagement for Arab Gulf female students was a complex process influenced by cultural values, family expectations, and differences in educational systems. Moreover, the results point out challenges encountered by Arab female students during the adaptation period in these universities, such as language barriers, differences in learning methods, and inadequate representation of Gulf students in decision-making units of the universities. The research revealed that initiating institutional support structures can facilitate the successful transition of Arab female students to American universities. Additionally, findings suggest the need for American universities to be more proactive by addressing the specific needs of Arab Gulf female students. The study underscores the significance of designing engagement strategies for capacity-building and developing supportive policies.
Overall, this research stresses the need for U.S. higher education institutions to develop and adopt a long-term strategic plan for international student engagement on campus. One that is inclusive and culturally sensitive and promotes stability and continuity in supporting the educational success of Arab Gulf female students.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.110
Recommended Citation
Almazyan, Nouf Kh, ""Bridging the Gulf" Perception and Experiences of Arab Gulf International Female Students' Engagement Process in the U.S. Higher Education Institutions." (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation. 112.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/epe_etds/112
