An intersectional analysis of female international students' career decisions in STEM fields in Italy

This study examines the career decisions of female international students studying in Italy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields within the intersection of gender norms and international student status. The research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach and included 24 female international students from different countries and STEM disciplines. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using intersectionality-informed thematic analysis. The findings show that career decision-making was shaped not only by interest and curiosity, but also by aspirations to create social benefit, participate in innovation and research, achieve economic security, and gain international mobility. Participants reported challenges related to male-dominated academic and professional cultures, limited female representation, pressure to continually prove technical competence, and gender stereotypes. International student status provided access to academic opportunities, intercultural experience, and professional networks; however, language barriers, bureaucracy, residence-permit processes, financial difficulties, and restricted access to the labour market created significant disadvantages. The intersectional analysis demonstrated that gender and international student status jointly influenced visibility, belonging, recognition of competence, and access to opportunities. The results indicate a need for stronger mentoring, career guidance, career-oriented language support, paid internships, fair assessment practices, and inclusive institutional policies. The study contributes to the literature by showing that the STEM career experiences of international students cannot be explained through individual interests and abilities alone, but must be considered together with cultural, structural, economic, and legal conditions.