Underprepared Overachievers: A Study of Latin American Graduate Students Studying Abroad in the United States

Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals

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28

Study Abroad; Latin Americans; International Education; Graduate Students; Graduate Study; College Preparation; Student Attitudes; Research Universities; Scores; Student Characteristics; Educational Background; Cultural Background; Socioeconomic Status; Second Language Learning; Language Tests; English (Second Language); Second Language Instruction; College Admission; College Entrance Examinations; Language Proficiency; English for Academic Purposes; High Achievement

10.1080/00221546.2023.2250694

0022-1546
1538-4640

Given recent study abroad trends, Latin America (LATAM) offers untapped potential to contribute to U.S. campus internationalization. To diversify student populations and increase enrollment from LATAM, stakeholders should consider the language, academic, and cultural experiences of LATAM students admitted to U.S. graduate schools. This study bridges the gap between higher education institutions and potential students. To do so, mixed methods were employed to analyze the following: (1) responses to a 67-question survey completed by LATAM graduate students (n = 126) studying abroad at a large public R1 university in the Midwest, (2) TOEFL scores, and (3) transcripts of 13 follow-up interviews about academic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Results underscore the importance of effective English language instruction during college years to help students meet graduate school admission scores, especially in cases where K-12 English language training was inadequate. The study considers the extent to which participants became part of a community of practice, characterized by attributes such as language proficiency, high levels of achievement, and personal investment in education.

As Provided

2024

EJ1428199