A GRADUATE EXPERIENCE OF WOMEN AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS

摘要

The primary concern of this paper is to better understand the doctoral experience of women and international students in mathematics. This is achieved by examining the degree to which doctoral students are academically integrated in a department. Twenty doctoral students enrolled in the mathematics doctoral program at the University of California, Berkeley, were interviewed regarding factors relating to academic integration comprising: (a) initial impressions, (b) relationship with advisor, (c) teatime participation, (c) dynamics of the department, and (d) use of office facilities. Graduates were also asked about their perception of doctoral withdrawal. It was evident that international doctoral students felt an integral part of the academic community, despite an initial harrowing doctoral experience. In relation to women doctoral students, the findings suggest that they did not feel academically integrated in the department and were, therefore, less likely to perceive themselves as "authentic" students compared to their male domestic and international counterparts.