International Student-Athletes' Academic, Athletic, and Social Experiences at a Historically Black University in America

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze international studentathletes' academic, athletic, and social experiences at a Historically Black University (HBCU) in the United States. The participants were six collegiate tennis players from Brazil, Serbia, South Korea, and the Philippines. This exploratory case study design (Yin, 2003) was situated in the concept of a Sojourner (Siu, 1952). The data sources were a demographic survey and interviews conducted during the athletes' preseason, in-season, and postseason. The demographic data were analyzed descriptively. The interview data were analyzed with constant comparative method (Merriam, 1998). The six international studentathletes believed language differences led to academic, athletic, and social difficulties. Mostly, they felt marginalized. On a positive note, some African American peers and faculty were empathetic and supportive of the international student-athletes. To improve international student-athletes' experiences at HBCUs recommendations are provided.