Voces de Resistencia: Exploring Salvadoran Students’ Experiences and Needs in Higher Education

Publication Date

10-1-2020

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Hispanic Higher Education

Volume

19

Issue

4

DOI

10.1177/1538192718814129

First Page

388

Last Page

403

Abstract

This study aims to examine how historical and contemporary traumas, refugee experiences, and cultural adjustment affect first-generation Salvadoran students’ identities and experiences in higher education. Thirteen Salvadoran college students completed a demographic survey and a semistructured interview. Using grounded theory methodology, three selective, 11 axials, and 36 open themes were identified. Respondents reflected on the impact of trauma. They also discussed challenges of being first generation and navigating through higher education, though reportedly conceptualizing these as symbols of hope and opportunity for their own growth. Findings demonstrate ways institutions of higher education can better support Salvadoran students.

Keywords

identity, refugees, Salvadoran college students, transnational

Department

Child and Adolescent Development

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