When the only thing familiar is the moon – initial transitions of Indian, Pakistani and Nigerian students into UK HE
采用参与式摄影法，研究了印度、巴基斯坦和尼日利亚学生初入英国大学前十周的经历，发现他们关注基本需求、经历多重过渡，且不确定期比文献报告更长。
The current research investigated the experiences of Indian, Pakistani and Nigerian students’ initial transitions into UK Higher Education (HE). To specifically counter existing erroneous deficit narratives, photovoice, a participatory methodology, was adopted, empowering students, newly arrived in the UK for January starting courses, and addressing power imbalances between students and researchers. Participants photographed what was important to them during their first 10 weeks in HE. These photographs were shared in focus groups where participants explained their meaning and compared their experiences. Group interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) and the following themes were identified: Recognising diversity in our international student population; Shared sense of loss/actual loss; What’s important in the first weeks of university; Developing independence; The challenges of being a January starter. Ten photographs, chosen by the participants as representative, have been shared with staff and students at the university. Six of those photographs are included in this article. Results highlighted how the participants’ initial focus was on basic needs such as food, and support. Participants demonstrated capacity as they experienced multiple transitions, including changing country and educational system, independent living and early adulthood. A period of uncertainty, lasting longer than reported in other literature, was identified suggesting that sojourning students may retain a foot in two cultures. Applying a temporal lens provided coherence to the complicated, intersecting experiences of the participants. Findings offer an insight into the students’ experiences of transitioning into UK HE and ideas on how HEIs can offer appropriate support during this time.