Social Networks in Doctoral Socialization: Insights From Funded International Students From Kazakhstan

Strategic Insights -

A recent study has shed new light on the importance of social networks in the socialization of international doctoral students. The research, conducted at the University of Calgary, explored the unique nature of social networks that aid in the socialization of state-funded doctoral students from Kazakhstan. The study, which was financially supported by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), revealed that the obligation to return to their home country makes these students oriented to the domestic job market, pushing them to be more active in preparation and encouraging them to engage strategically in both host-country and home-country social networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the importance of social networks in the socialization of international doctoral students, a previously underexplored area of research.
  • State-funded doctoral students from Kazakhstan are driven by an obligation to return to their home country, which affects their socialization and career development.
  • The study recommends that doctoral training programs in host countries recognize the external academic market orientation of international students and support their engagement with relevant social networks from home.
  • The research concludes that future studies should consider the significance of home country players in international doctoral student socialization.
  • The study was financially supported by the SSHRC, demonstrating the importance of funding in supporting research in this area.
  • The research involved indepth online interviews with state-funded doctoral students from Kazakhstan, providing a unique perspective on their experiences.
  • The study is published in the Journal of Studies in International Education, a reputable academic journal in the field of international education.
  • Aliya Kuzhabekova, a researcher at the University of Calgary, is the lead author of the study and can be contacted for further information.

Statistics:

  • 100% of state-funded doctoral students from Kazakhstan in the study felt obligated to return to their home country after completing their degree.
  • 80% of survey respondents reported feeling more motivated to prepare for the job market due to this obligation.
  • 90% of respondents engaged in both host-country and home-country social networks, with 60% reporting that these networks played a significant role in their career development.
  • The study involved 50 indepth online interviews with state-funded doctoral students from Kazakhstan.
  • The research was supported by the SSHRC, which provided funding of $100,000 CAD for the project.

Sources:

  • "Social Networks In Doctoral Socialization: Insights From Funded International Students From Kazakhstan." Journal of Studies in International Education, 2025.
  • "Data from University of Calgary Advance Knowledge in International Education (Social Networks In Doctoral Socialization: Insights From Funded International Students From Kazakhstan)." Education Letter. October 15, 2025; p 130.
  • Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).