Discovering Effective Mentorship: Positive Experiences of International Graduate Students through Appreciative Inquiry,

Abstract

This proposal builds on my doctoral dissertation (Ankomah, 2022a) and previous studies (Ankomah, 2024, 2022b) using the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) framework to explore the positive experiences of international graduate students at a Southern Ontario University. While much of the literature on international student experiences focuses on challenges such as academic uncertainties, language barriers, and social isolation, my study is the first to apply AI—a strength-based research approach—to highlight the life-affirming moments that foster effective mentorship and enhance students' educational experiences. Focusing on the discovery phase of AI, the study gathered stories of success from 14 individual interviews and 3 focus groups. Participants shared how mentorship, especially the emotional and professional support offered by supervisors, was critical to their success. This presentation will share these findings and discuss how policymakers can improve mentor training and create more supportive environments for international students.