International Research Experiences in the Development of Minority Scientists

Undergraduate research and international experiences are often described as high-impact educational practices beneficial for undergraduate student success supporting the development of science identity intercultural competencies. While several studies have investigated impact on students from minoritized groups, fewer focused their engagement in global experiences, still explored experiences. Drawing theoretical frameworks Science Identity, Social Cognitive Career Theory, Intercultural Competence Model, this present study explores benefits participating an experience minority scientists. Using a qualitative case methodology, we examined evolution students’ identity, competencies, competence after engaging three-month opportunity France Belgium. We found that research, scientists had: 1) Increased confidence abilities; 2) Gained strengthened skills necessary to be successful researcher, 3) Recognized influence exposure growth personally professionally, 4) Expressed how monumental is all experience. Our findings suggest substantial