“I seldom see an Asian face”

Experiences of East Asian International Students in American Music Education Degree Programs

Datos Bibliográficos

ID17575546
AutoresXin Xie (0000-0003-3146-5866, Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Taipa, Macau, China, autor de correspondencia), Sarah H Watts (0000-0002-3453-0603, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA), Sarah Watts (0000-0002-6412-5887, Pennsylvania State University)
Año2026
Fecha de publicación2026-01-11
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Music Education (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0255-7614 • E-ISSN: 1744-795X
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/02557614251412622
OpenAlexW7122674767
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas26

The internationalization of higher education has led to a growing number of international students, particularly from Asia, studying music-related programs in United States, yet little systematic exploration has revealed the experiences of these students and the challenges, successes, and intercultural understandings they must navigate to complete their education abroad. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the experiences of East Asian international students in American music education degree programs. The following questions guided this study: What are the experiences of East Asian international students in American music education programs? What differences in school/educational/social cultures are present and how are they navigated? The experiences of four Asian international students were examined through two rounds of in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data sources for this study included interview transcripts as well as extra information gleaned through the member-checking process. Several themes emerged: navigating professional challenges, language barriers, lack of inclusivity and representation, and navigating cultural differences in educational and social contexts. These findings provide crucial insight for university faculty to foster more inclusive music education environments by emphasizing the importance of mentorship, cultural understanding, and supporting international students’ career development while also recognizing their valuable contributions to the university community

Asian americans · Cultural diversity · East Asia · Higher education · International education · Internationalization · Music education · Study abroad · Teacher education · Diverse Music Education Insights · Global Education and Multiculturalism · International Student and Expatriate Challenges