Academic Motivation and Learning Strategies of Marriage Migrant Women through Photovoice

This study explores the academic motivations, learning experiences, and strategies of marriage migrant women in South Korea who voluntarily continue their education, using the photovoice method. The research aims to identify the reasons these women initiate learning, the challenges they face during the process, their strategies to overcome these barriers, and the impact of education on their lives. Seven participants with diverse national and educational backgrounds—including qualification exams, certification programs, lifelong learning, and higher education—took part in five photovoice sessions involving in-depth interviews, group discussions, and field observations. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes and eleven subthemes: ‘The Journey of Learning’, ‘Reasons for Continuing’, ‘Unfamiliar Education, Familiar Responsibilities’, ‘Balancing Everyday Roles’, and ‘Practices Toward a Better Life’. Despite facing structural and emotional barriers such as non-recognition of foreign credentials, language difficulties, and caregiving burdens, the participants redefined their identities and expanded their social networks through education. They emerged as active agents of learning, seeking self-fulfillment despite various challenges. This study highlights the need for institutional recognition of prior academic and professional experience, strengthened caregiving support systems, and the creation of sustainable learning environments. It repositions marriage migrant women as active learners rather than passive recipients, providing foundational insight for multicultural and lifelong education policy development.