“It's like you're always an outsider”: International student spouses’ meaning making of identities in the U.S.

Abstract

The spouses of international students in the United States face unique challenges that profoundly influence their lives and the educational experiences of their partners, yet they remain an understudied population in the field of higher education. This study explores the narratives of 19 women on F-2 dependent visas at a large research institution in the southeastern U.S., guided by Shaffer and Harrison’s (2001) Expatriate Spousal Adjustment theory. Using narrative inquiry, the researchers examined participants’ transitions through three dimensions of cultural, interaction, and personal adjustment. Findings highlight the central role of visa work restrictions in shaping identity, financial well-being, and mental health. Many participants described feelings of loss, isolation, and diminished self-worth tied to the inability to pursue employment or education. Participants also emphasized the importance of building community as a primary strategy for combating loneliness and fostering belonging.  Cultural differences in safety, religion, and social interactions further shaped their adjustment experiences. This study highlights how F-2 visa restrictions constrain the professional and personal identities of predominantly female spouses, reinforcing gendered expectations and leaving them largely “invisible” within U.S. higher education. Implications include the need for higher education institutions and international student support offices to extend resources to spouses at a higher rate and recognize their critical role in student success and family well-being. By amplifying these narratives, this study calls for more inclusive institutional practices and increased policy advocacy to address the overlooked challenges of international student spouses.