Identifying Place Attachments for International Graduate Students in Northeast Ohio, United States

Keywords: Place attachment, International Students, Sense of belonging
Session Type: Virtual Poster
Day: Thursday
Session Start / End Time: 4/8/2021 09:35 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) - 4/8/2021 10:50 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 52

Abstract

The research has investigated place attachments for international graduate students from three universities of North east Ohio in the United States (U.S). These three universities are Cleveland State University, Kent State University and University of Akron. Using mixed method approach the research has tried to understand how personal attachment to some places in university community help international graduate students emotionally cope up within the host society outside their home country. Place attachment can be referred to any physical places where an individual finds emotional attachment or the place that creates an individual’s sense of belonging. Using online survey and face to face interviews the research has found that places such as student center, park, library, church, classroom, recreation center, personal office space, student center, friend’s house, parks or any favorite restaurant creates a sense of place attachment for international graduate students. The emotional bonding between the place and the individual has also reflected their way of adjusting with a new environment away from home.The study has also helped to find out existing gap between international students and the university community in the United States.