“Are We the Normal Ones?”: International Students’ Perceptions of US Politics and Policies in 2020–2021

Abstract

The years 2020–2021 were filled with contention, including politicizing a global virus, a US presidential election, and the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Yet, much of the research on college student responses has tended to focus on US domestic students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine international students’ perceptions of US politics and policies during that time. Findings from the study included concerns about the politicized pandemic, excitement and trepidation at presidential changes, and disbelief over the January 6 Capitol insurrection.