Navigating gender identity development: composite narratives of Chinese women international students studying in the U.S.

This article examined the complex experiences of Chinese women international students as they navigated multiple tensions related to their gender identity while studying abroad. Using composite narrative inquiries, the study compiled five stories based on interviews with 14 Chinese women who have studied in the U.S. The findings highlighted how exposure to various educational and social contexts shaped these women’s understanding of womanhood and gender oppression. Additionally, the study revealed how these experiences influenced their decision-making processes and their determination to create a better place for themselves, other women, and future generations. This study enhances the existing literature on international students’ experiences and provides a nuanced understanding of how global processes intersect with individuals on the level of identity and self-formation.