Abstract:
At the University of Florida, international graduate students (IGS) encounter shared questions – where do they want to go next, and how can they get there? The United States is a popular destination for international students seeking to pursue higher education and professional careers. However, how IGS (re)define their cultural identities and communities of belonging during their professional development remains a key question for sustainable collective growth. To understand IGS’ existential crises during that process, we engaged codesign methods to visualize factors that shape their self-perception and professional journeys. Using low-tech materials such as sticky notes and fabrics, IGS reflected on their trajectories through reflexive making and narrative sharing, both individually and collectively. Preliminary findings revealed contradictions between their cultural identities and the pressures of assimilation within the local multicultural environment, showing patterns of both adaptation and resistance. These findings emphasized the role of self-centered approaches in understanding IGS’ navigation through such tensions during their brief stay. How do they build professional networks and navigate cultural transformations both locally and internationally? This codesign process positions IGS as agents of transition and transformation towards their dreams.
Keywords: existential crises, immigration, design education, neoliberal multiculturalism
Acknowledgement: We thank Professor Maria Rogal and Dr. Frederick van Amstel in supporting this conference submission, as well as our graduate colleagues, especially Santana Nyanje in being a part of this design research.
Citation: Urbenz, C. & Phan, H. (2024) Beyond Borders, Within Selves: International Graduate Students’ Transformations through Codesign, in Daugherity, S. (eds.), Navigating the Self Through Design, in SECAC 2024: Wayfinding, 23 – 26 October 2024, Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Hiền Phan 