Challenges of Asian international students in the U.S. Public affairs programs: A cross-discipline review

Abstract

Scholars have perceived a globalization process in higher education and recognized the influx of international students, especially students from Asia, in the U.S. programs of public affairs as a factual aspect of the globalization of the academic profession. However, the studies that examine international students’ experiences and challenges in the public affairs programs have remained scarce. This article broadens the literature review to multiple disciplines in order to understand the common challenges experienced by Asian international students while it identifies the particular challenges of international students in public affairs programs. Based on the cross-discipline literature review, this article highlights the lessons that American public affairs programs can take in order to provide more accommodating and inclusive educational environments to international students. It also recognizes the missing areas in the literature about the challenges of Asian international students in American public affairs programs that future studies are expected to investigate.