2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Nicole Brun-Mercer

Abstract

Multilingual students are an important part of higher education in the United States, and that is why their academic experiences matter. In 2022, 33% of students in U.S. universities had first-, second-, or third-generation immigrant backgrounds (Feldblum et al., 2024, p. 14), and 4% of students were international students (“Higher Ed Immigration Portal,” 2024). Research has investigated the perspectives of multilingual students through interviews (e.g., Dykema, 2024; Tavares, 2023). This study contributes to this body of research by asking multilingual students from Boise State to describe the benefits, challenges, and support they experience in college. A qualitative approach was used based on five interviews with multilingual Boise State students. During the interviews, repeated ideas, common themes, and shared experiences emerged across their responses. Overall, the students saw multilingualism as a strength that helps with communication, confidence, connection, and professional opportunities. At the same time, they described challenges with academic vocabulary, acronyms, slang, fast-paced lectures, and the mental exhaustion that can come from constantly translating and processing information in another language. Another strong pattern was the importance of asking for help, using office hours, and having access to supportive professors and campus resources. These findings show that the academic experience of multilingual students is shaped by more than just language itself. This poster highlights patterns that can help instructors better support multilingual students, especially by being clear with language, explaining unfamiliar terms, and creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions.

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