Piercing the Bubble: Understanding Integration Dynamics in an International School

Mgr. Geneva Marie Herzog Fink

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis examines the cultural perceptions and methodologies of international school teachers regarding how they assist in the social and emotional requirements of their Ukrainian refugee students during the integration process. Using structural hermeneutical analysis and Geertzian thick description on semi-structured qualitative interviews and surveys it is found that teachers perceive common themes in how they promote integration, the observable barriers, and their role in the process. Teachers differ on the topic of external integration due to cultural perception.

Abstract:

This thesis examines the cultural perceptions and methodologies of international school teachers regarding how they assist in the social and emotional requirements of their Ukrainian refugee students during the integration process. Using structural hermeneutical analysis and Geertzian thick description on semi-structured qualitative interviews and surveys it is found that teachers perceive common themes in how they promote integration, the observable barriers, and their role in the process. Teachers differ on the topic of external integration due to cultural perception.

Keywords

integration, refugee, international schooling system, Ukraine, student, Czech, bubble, perception, teacher

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 4. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 30. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: doc. Bernadette Nadya Jaworsky, Ph.D.
• Reader: Dr. Werner Binder

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Cultural Sociology / Cultural Sociology