Doctoral Dissertation Brochure: Gy枚rgyi Mih谩lyi
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Gy枚rgyi Mih谩lyi
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Higher Education Administration
When Everything Clicks: Exploring Belonging for International Women in Undergraduate Programs
March 28, 2025
2:30鈥�4:30 P.M.
200 White Hall
When Everything Clicks: Exploring Belonging for International Women in Undergraduate Programs
The purpose of this exploratory interpretive qualitative study was to understand how international women enrolled in undergraduate non-STEM programs at a large public research university in the American Midwest define belonging and how belonging shapes their higher education experience while studying in the United States. The study focused on students鈥� experiences, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Eight students shared their thoughts and reflections on their sense of belonging while studying in the United States.
I developed a conceptual framework using Strayhorn鈥檚 (2019) and Nunn鈥檚 (2021) definition of belonging, which included academic, social, and campus-community belonging. Additionally, I incorporated Glass鈥檚 (2021) concept of hard belonging, which I reframed as political belonging to encompass visa, immigration, and policy-related challenges. Lastly, I integrated Donald鈥檚 (2022) concept of environmental belonging, which considered place attachment from a spatial perspective. This framework guided the study, shaping both the interview structure and areas of inquiry.
The key findings revealed that belonging for international women in undergraduate programs was shaped by interpersonal relationships, institutional support, and evolving perceptions of home. Supportive friendships, faculty engagement, and cultural connections fostered inclusion, while restrictive policies, financial barriers, and limited engagement opportunities often hindered their sense of belonging, making it a dynamic and multidimensional experience.
91香蕉视频 the Candidate
Gy枚rgyi Mih谩lyi
Master of Education
Higher Education Administration
91香蕉视频 University, 2017
Bachelor of Business Administration
Marketing
91香蕉视频 University, 2014
Bachelor of Education
English Teaching
University of Szeged, 2002
Gy枚rgyi Mih谩lyi is the Director of International Student Services and PDSO at Cumberland University. She previously worked as an International Student and Scholar Advisor before joining the College of Arts and Sciences at 91香蕉视频 University. She founded the World Poetry Reading to highlight international voices on campus and has served as the Editor of Global Connections for the Journal of International Students for over two years.
Originally from Hungary, Gy枚rgyi holds bachelor鈥檚 degrees in English Teaching and Business Administration, as well as an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration. Coming to the U.S. as an international student reshaped her career, leading her to international education.
She has presented at a regional NAFSA Meeting, the IUPUI Assessment Institute, and ASHE, focusing on international student services, assessment, and belonging. Her research explores the experiences of international students and the broader field of international education.
