Abstract

Americans face a multitude of challenges as they pursue their educational goals. However, these appear to diminish when examining the unique and seemingly insurmountable challenges which greet African women in pursuit of an American higher education. The results of a qualitative examination of six African women who attended a Midwestern-regional university verified the cultural shock, common problems and challenges these women experienced as a result of realities of life in Africa and the transition into the American educational system as well as the American culture. The results of this study, which confirmed previous research, suggest faculty, who work with and are sensitive to the plight of these women, need strategies as well as resources to facilitate the educational success of these African women attending higher education institutions in America. In light of these realities, the institution itself is encumbered to examine its policies to serve this unique student population in a way to promote completion of degrees that are of value to our global society.