Transcendence of time and space: The lived experiences of Chinese international graduate students in the United States

Abstract

Title of Dissertation: TRANSCENDENCE OF TIME AND SPACE—THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF CHINESE INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES Yali Pan Doctor of Philosophy, 2014 Dissertation directed by: Professor Francine H. Hultgren, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of seven Chinese international graduate students in the United States. The students in this study range in age from the twenties to thirties and are pursuing advanced degrees in various disciplines including Education, American Studies, Economics, and the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The phenomenological question is: What are the lived experiences of Chinese international graduate students in the United States? This research is conducted in the tradition of hermeneutic phenomenology drawing on the work of philosophers such as Heidegger, Gadamer, Dilthey, MerleauPonty, and Casey as foundational “grounding” for the study. Each of these philosophers brings key foundations to help illuminate the phenomenon, through such existentials as lived body, space, time and relation. Van Man provides the methodology to guide the study. Through individual conversations with each participant, the themes generated revolve around orienting to a new environment, both academically and socially; finding familiarity in the midst of unfamiliarity, while living in between two languages and two