Cultural benefits of PhD studies in American universities enjoyed by Arab graduates from Israel

The research aimed to examine cultural benefits enjoyed by Arab graduates from Israel (AGIs) during their PhD studies in American universities (AUs). Several types of benefits were examined, including the benefits of studying for a PhD abroad, influences on cultural identity, and living with cultural diversity. A qualitative research drew data from semi-structured interviews with eight AGIs who had graduated from AUs. All were Muslims. Several findings emerged: Pursuing a PhD in AUs significantly affected the cultural identity of AGIs, who underwent acculturation. This process involved adaptation to US culture, including adopting skills to cope with cultural diversity, while maintaining elements of their native culture and trying to strengthening it. The findings of this study clarify the effect of PhD studies abroad on international students’ adoption of new cultural and academic values, while simultaneously preserving and strengthening their original culture in a context of multicultural diversity.