What are the experiences of international students in finding role models amongst faculty and peers?

Role models are often referred to as a strategy to inspire individuals to establish and accomplish objectives within achievement- oriented environment, they are considered important to serve as a behavioural model and to represent the possibilities more significantly in a stigmatised group (Morgenroth, 2015). This Qualitative study explores the experiences of international students in finding role models amongst faculty and peers, with the help of a semi-structured interview and thematic analysis. This research identified 1 main theme: Broadening horizon: finding inspiration in diverse role models. This theme highlights the expansion of an individual’s perceptive on who a role model can be, beyond cultural beliefs and expectations. This study aims to bring forth a better and deeper understanding on the overall experience of international students in finding a role model and to lay the foundation for future research.