“Maybe it's not... because I've done a very good job at determining that it wasn't. Or maybe I don't want to see it, maybe I'm imagining.” : Narratives of Racism Encounters by International Students at a Finnish University.

Abstract

This study examined the experiences of racism encountered by international students at a Finnish university, addressing the following questions: What are the encounters and experiences of racism faced by international students at the university, and how does the university address and manage these issues? The research explored how students interpret and navigate these experiences using qualitative methodologies, including semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The participants selected through snowball sampling included a diverse representation of international students of colour. The findings revealed that participants experience racism in the university environment, manifesting as subtle biases, direct racism, language-related microaggressions, and a lack of representation in the curriculum and staff. Participants also expressed mixed views on the university's approach to diversity. As established by previous research on racism, this study highlights the complexity of racism and its intersections at both the micro and macro levels evident in the connection between individual experiences and systemic structures. The study concludes that, while the University of Jyväskylä has made strides in promoting diversity, more deliberate and sustained efforts are needed to ensure the effectiveness of its equality plan in managing diversity and addressing racism. This conclusion can also serve as an indicator of what is required across other Finnish higher education institutions.