At the Intersection of Migration, Gender, and Academia: A Q Methodological Study of Korean Female Doctoral Students in the U.S

Background: Single Korean women pursuing doctoral degrees in the United States face multiple layers of challenges and uncertainty, situated at the intersection of higher education and transnational migration. Navigating both academic trajectories and transitions in personal life, they encounter complex forms of stress related to adaptation, identity, and future planning. This study employed a Q methodology to explore their subjective perceptions regarding academic, cultural, and social adaptation. To deeply understand their lived experiences, concourse development was based on pilot interviews and a review of relevant literature.

Methods: A total of 21 Korean female doctoral students participated in the study. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling, beginning with initial contacts and expanding through peer recommendations. Based on the pilot interviews and literature review, 129 concourse statements were initially generated across seven thematic areas: English proficiency, academic stress, career and family planning, social relationships and activities, cultural differences, financial conditions, and health and safety. From these, 55 representative statements were selected for Q-sorting. Following the sorting procedure, additional in-depth interviews were conducted to enhance the interpretation of the findings.

Results: Based on the analysis, participants were categorized into two distinct perception profiles. The first group experienced substantial psychological stress stemming from limited English proficiency, which was further intensified by feelings of competition and negative evaluations from faculty advisors. In contrast, the second group identified deteriorating physical health and fatigue as primary sources of stress, including concerns about the high cost of healthcare in the U.S. and the ongoing management of pre-existing medical conditions. Despite these differences, both groups shared common stressors—particularly related to the job search process and uncertainty surrounding post-graduation career paths. Notably, experiences of racial discrimination, dissatisfaction with the overall quality of education, and limited opportunities for physical activity were not perceived as major contributors to stress.

Implication: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex identities and lived experiences of single Korean female doctoral students in the U.S. By combining Q methodology with follow-up interviews, the study captures the nuanced subjectivities of women positioned at the intersection of higher education and migration. The findings offer valuable insights for designing culturally responsive and targeted support systems at the institutional and policy levels.