07 Jul 2025
by John W. Smith III, Pietro A. Sasso

Distance May Vary: A Portraiture Study on International Alumni Reflections - JCAPS Vol. 7 Issue 1

International students play a significant role in U.S. higher education; however, these students’ perspectives are rarely explored following graduation. Much of the literature centers issues related to persistence and retention with an emphasis on first year undergraduate students, missing the breadth of international student experience. This qualitative portraiture study presents the authentic reflections of alumni (n = 4) on their tenure as international undergraduate students in U.S. higher education. Participants’ reported experiences indicated marginalization and disempowerment affirming the value of further including international alumni perspectives in discussions on student services and support.