Time and Temporalities in Multiple and Multi-Dimensional Transitions: An Example of International Students

This chapter outlines how time and temporalities are inherently intertwined with understandings and interpretations of Multiple and Multi-dimensional Transitions. In doing so, differentiations are made between time (i.e., measurable clock time) and temporalities (i.e., one’s social experiences with time) to provide some conceptual nuance in how time is approached in research designs. The connection between time and transitions is made through two framings: (1) time as transitions and (2) transitions as time. Time as transitions, on the one hand, reflects how transitions between different contexts often lead to new understandings of time and temporalities. Transitions as time, on the other hand, that recognises transitions must be understood through the lens of time. Throughout the chapter, the situations of international students are used as an illustrative example, given the time-limited nature of their study experiences and geographic mobility across time zones. Altogether, the chapter highlights time as a significant dimension of multi-dimensional transitions, ending with practical considerations for embedding a temporal disposition into research designs.