International University Students Research Articles

One Mind, Many Languages: Czech as an Additional Language in Plurilingual Repertoires

Abstract Plurilingualism goes beyond the mere ability to use multiple languages; it emphasizes the interconnected nature of languages within an individual's linguistic competence. In line with the European language policy, university students are becoming users of several languages, and international university students in Czech universities often learn Czech as their fourth language or beyond (L4+). Understanding how their linguistic competencies interact can impact their language acquisition experience. Learners may perceive interactions among the languages within their linguistic repertoire. The concept of Perceived Positive Language Interaction (PPLI, Thompson, 2016) pertains to the perception that languages previously studied are interrelated in a positive way, ultimately enhancing a plurilingual's ability to acquire additional languages. This study explores the relationships between Czech as an additional language and the learners' prior languages. The research aims to answer three main questions: Do learners of Czech as L4+ perceive positive interactions among their learned languages? In what areas do these interactions manifest? How does Czech relate to their other languages? The study was conducted at a Czech university that provides optional introductory Czech courses (A1/A2), primarily to students in the Erasmus+ program. Fifty-four international students filled in an open-ended online questionnaire over two consecutive semesters. The analysis revealed that while students perceived positive interactions among some of the languages they had learned, especially within language families, interactions across typologically different languages occurred, particularly between Czech and German. The participants' mother tongue also emerged as a significant factor. While language instruction often follows a monolingual approach, where the target language is the primary mode of classroom interaction (Woll, 2020), learners may significantly benefit from their previous language learning experiences when learning an additional language. Despite the relatively limited research sample, this study suggests the didactic potential of positive language interaction in language teaching and learning and highlights further research opportunities.

12-month substance use disorders among first-year university students in Kenya.

The period of entry into university represents one of vulnerability to substance use for university students. The goal of this study is to document the 12-month prevalence of substance use disorders among first year university students in Kenya, and to test whether there is an association between substance use disorders and mental disorders. This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2019 and 2020 as part of the World Health Organization's World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) survey initiative. A total of 334 university students completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between substance use disorder and mental disorders after adjusting for age and gender. The 12-month prevalence for alcohol use disorder was 3.3%, while the 12-month prevalence for other substance use disorder was 6.9%. Adjusting for age and gender, there was an association between any substance use disorder and major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar 1 disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, social anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and non-suicidal self-injury. These findings highlight the need to institute policies and interventions in universities in Kenya that address substance use disorders and comorbid mental disorders among first-year students.

Exploring Higher Education International Student Education Management Based on Refined Management Approach

From the current perspective of management models, admission methods, management concepts, and service quality of international students in universities, we need to pursue a more refined approach in overall management. In terms of recruitment, improvements should be made in market segmentation, increased promotional efforts, enhanced information services, and the establishment of a comprehensive evaluation mechanism for the quality of student sources. Regarding daily management and services, it is necessary to construct a sound management system for foreign students, promoting the formation and development of the "Study in China" brand. With China experiencing a growing trend in studying abroad, it has become the largest study destination in Asia. According to statistics, in 2023, 34.8 million international students from 196 countries and regions have enrolled in 1004 universities. However, as the scale rapidly expands, we must recognize the poor quality of Chinese study abroad education. The future focus should shift from "expanding scale" to "improving quality and efficiency," emphasizing the enhancement of study abroad services and the improvement of study abroad quality.

Spiritual intelligence and depression: The mediating role of the ambiguity tolerance

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the relationship between spiritual intelligence, depression, and ambiguity-tolerance among Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU) students. Using random sampling, The undergraduate students (N = 300) filled out Beck’s Depression Inventory, King’s Spiritual Intelligence test, and McLain et al. Ambiguity-Tolerance questionnaire. Results indicated that depression and spiritual intelligence can predict ambiguity-tolerance among students. Findings showed that depression has a negative relationship with ambiguity tolerance, while the relationship between spiritual intelligence and ambiguity tolerance was positive, the spiritual intelligence and depression showed a negative relationship. Also, the mediating role of ambiguity-tolerance in the relationship of spiritual intelligence and depression was approved.

An Online Survey of the Dietary Practices of Saudi Students in the UK: A Quantitative Study

There has been an abundance of research on the dietary practices of international university students in the United Kingdom (UK), as they comprise a significant proportion of the country’s undergraduate population. However, there is a paucity in the literature with regard to the dietary practices, or other health behaviours, of Saudi students studying in the UK. Therefore, this empirical study sought to provide new insights to address this gap. This study contribution to investigate the dietary practices of Saudi students in the UK. The data was collected from a sample of 212 university students and encompassed an age range from 18 to 31+ years. A quantitative methodology was adopted in the form of an exploratory survey questionnaire. The sample was recruited through voluntary and snowball sampling techniques. Questionnaire data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS for Windows, version 26. The results demonstrated that various intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors play a significant role in developing eating behaviours and dietary choices. Some favourable changes in dietary practices were observed among Saudi students in the UK as opposed to Saudi Arabia, including a higher intake of fruit and vegetables, along with a lower intake of soft drinks, sugary and fatty foods. However, there was a notable reduction in consumption of all types of meat and fish as well as the total number of daily meals. Additionally, around a third of participants regularly consumed ready-to-eat food and takeaways 2-6 times a week. Interventions should therefore consider individual, societal and environmental factors.

International students’ adjustment to the educational environment of the Russian university: medical and psychological aspect of socio-cultural integration

Introduction. The increase in the number of academic exchange programmes for students contributes to a significant growth in the number of international students in Russian universities who often experience a sense of dislocation and have to adjust to new academic and cultural environments. The key problem of integrating international students into the Russian educational environment is their psychological adjustment, which determines not only their academic attainment, but also indicators of their health and social well-being. The purpose of this article is to identify psychological and medical factors and manifestations of adjustment to the educational environment of the Russian university for international students, as well as to assess their satisfaction with medical and psychological support during their studies at university. Materials and Methods. The study has been conducted on the basis of an anthropo-systemic methodological approach, which implies a focus on improving constructive strategies and resources for students that allow them to overcome various difficulties more effectively, as well as on developing intercultural communication skills, creating internal and external conditions for self-fulfillment. Questionnaires designed to study medical and psychological aspects of the international students’ adjustment to the educational environment of the Russian university were used as research methods. Results. The study has revealed that 33 per cent of participating international students demonstrated ‘low’ and ‘below average’ levels of adjustment. ‘Above average’ and ‘high’ levels of adjustment were revealed in 56 per cent of participants. Only 11 per cent of the sample demonstrated the ‘average’ level of adjustment. At the same time, international students showed a low degree of self-determination in relation to the future career and prospects for personal development and a high demand for assistance in understanding the importance of professionalization and revealing students’ abilities for self-development and self-determination. The analysis of the demand and experience of receiving medical services by international students revealed that about 80% of the participants sought medical help. About 73% of them were fully or partially satisfied with the quality of medical services provided, 10% were dissatisfied with the quality, and 17% found it difficult to assess the quality of medical care. The study reveals the following drawbacks in the complex work implemented by university departments responsible for optimizing psychological and medical indicators of international students’ adaptation: time-limits for the examination of patients by a medical worker, difficulties in communication between a specialist and an international student determined by language and cultural barriers, as well as the fact that ‘supporting’ university staff insufficiently take into account the above-mentioned low degree of international students’ self-determination. Conclusions. The conducted research has identified a range of degrees in international students’ adjustment to the Russian educational environment with a small number of individuals with an average degree of adjustment. The main unfavorable psychological factor in the international students’ adjustment is low level of their professional self-determination and insufficient formation of personal development prospects. The level and availability of medical care provided to international students in Russia satisfy most of them. The key problem that reduces international students’ satisfaction with the quality of medical services is difficulties in social communication with employees of medical institutions.

Zimbardo’s Time Perspective and Binge Drinking Patterns in Alcohol Consumption among Black African International University Students in China

Zimbardo’s Time Perspective and Binge Drinking Patterns in Alcohol Consumption among Black African International University Students in China

Mental Health Problems of Chinese International College Students in the United States

Mental health problems are prevalent among students in American universities and colleges, particularly among those from other countries or regions. Despite considerable research on the relatively high prevalence of mental health problems among international college students and potential reasons they under-utilize student support services, little is known about the mental health experiences of students from China to study in the United States. This paper provides insight into the challenges and interventions surrounding the mental health problems of college students from China to study in the United States. This paper provides a synthesis of available findings and addresses the factors triggering mental health issues experienced by Chinese international college students studying in the United States, the challenges they face when gaining access to mental health services, and potential interventions to boost their mental well-being. Additionally, this paper emphasizes the significance of providing a supportive environment that encourages and facilitates the help-seeking behavior of Chinese international college students, aiming to offer a valuable resource for mental health practitioners, policymakers, and higher education professionals.

Multilingual development through study abroad in multilingual Asian universities: a case study of a Vietnamese international student in Taiwan

ABSTRACT With the rise in the number of international students (ISs) in many Asian universities, some recent research has investigated ISs’ linguacultural experience in the new Asian educational hubs. Current research has shown that while English is used as the de facto academic lingua franca in many of these hubs, the local language of the host nation also plays critical roles in shaping ISs’ social and academic interaction in multilingual Asian universities. Nevertheless, in most studies, ISs were generally positioned as a homogeneous group, dismissing the idiosyncrasies in their historical and sociocultural backgrounds. Informed by multilingualism [Kramsch, C. 2009. The Mmultilingual Ssubject. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press] and the theory of identity and investment (Darvin, R., and B. Norton. 2015. “Identity and a Model of Investment in Applied Linguistics.” Annual Review of Applied Linguistics 35:36–56), this study adopted a qualitative case study methodology to investigate the multilingual development of a male, doctoral Vietnamese international student in a Taiwanese university where English and Chinese are the academic lingua francas. Data were collected through interviews, reflection journals, observation of social media posts, and relevant documents. Findings of the study illuminate how capital, ideologies, and identities worked in tandem to shape the participant’s multilingual development in a Taiwanese university. These findings invite educators to challenge the hegemony of monolingualism and cultivate multilingual users in the globalized world.

Examination of The Relationship Between International University Students' Concerns Regarding the Turkish Language and Their Cognitive Awareness in Terms of Some Variables

In this study, examining and revealing the relationship between international university students' anxiety about and cognitive awareness of Turkish language; determining the anxiety and cognitive awareness of these anxiety and cognitive awareness according to gender, age, country of origin, duration of stay in Türkiye and the faculty they attend; It is also aimed to examine the anxiety of learning Turkish and their own cognitive awareness and behaviors of international university students, to reveal the importance of their concerns about Turkish language. In addition, whether there was a significant difference regarding the direction of the relationship between the anxiety and cognitive awareness of the international university students about Turkish language in terms of variables such as gender, age, the length of stay in Turkey, the faculty they attend, etc. In the research, descriptive survey model was used as a method. The data in the study were obtained using the scales " Foreign Language Learning Anxiety Scale developed by Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope (1986) " and "Metacognitive Awareness Scale (MAI)". The sample of the research consisted of 175 undergraduates, graduate and doctorate students from different faculties at Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University. Frequency, percentage, mean values, T-test and MANOVA were used in order to analyse the data. As a result of the study, while the students had a high tendency of anxiety among some countries in terms of the variable of the country they came from, significant differences emerged in terms of the variables such as age, cognitive awareness and the country they came from.

University English-medium instruction in Türkiye – what instructors say

Abstract The rise of English-medium instruction (EMI) and the increasing number of international students in Turkish universities call for a change in the language support programs that prepare students for EMI. English as a lingua franca (ELF) is a promising perspective to achieve a more linguistically and culturally inclusive pedagogy. This paper reports the views of 10 English language instructors who took a teacher training course on ELF and experimented with ELF-aware teaching with several lessons in the classroom. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the instructors to explore how they conceptualized the relationship between ELF and their teaching context, and how they evaluated their teaching experiences. Results reveal that when preparing students for EMI, instructors saw ELF as a useful frame of reference that promoted students’ confidence, motivation, and critical thinking. Instructors’ teaching preferences were shaped by the curriculum they were supposed to follow, the materials at their disposal, and the characteristics of their learners. Findings highlight the need to equip students for the variability in the English language, and become more confident with their linguistic skills as multilingual speakers, as well as engage in critical thinking about English and its use in their context.

Internationalization of Higher Education, University Quality Service, and International Students’ Loyalty in Malaysia

This quantitative study examines the effects of internationalization practices on university quality service and students’ loyalty as perceived by international students in Malaysian public universities. A total of 1,575 international students from 10 different public universities in Malaysia and from different home countries participated in this study. Stratified sampling was used to select the international students by dividing the population into continents. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SmartPLS Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The findings of PLS-SEM confirmed the effect of internationalization of higher education practice and university quality service on international student loyalty in Malaysia. It was also found the effect of internationalization of higher education practice on university quality service. The research reported here adds to the growing body of knowledge on foreign student satisfaction and perceptions of quality, internationalization of education, and student mobility. It also helps provide some insights for the education industry in Malaysia and beyond in their effort to gain global recognition in the field of academic teaching, research, and professional development.

Associations between health issues and food consumption with overweight and obesity in three university students minorities

Objective: To determine the presence of overweight and obesity among minorities, and the factors contributing to this weight disparity. Participants: The study comprises 3405 students including nonwhite, international, and first-generation college students. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey collected data on demographics, height, weight, self-health perception, overall sleep quality, progress in school, and food consumption. Three logistic regressions tested abnormal weight associations with health issues and food consumption. Results: Being 31 years-old or older, perception of health and consumption of ultra-processed food was significant with abnormal weight (BMI > 25). Only nonwhite and international students were correlated with ultra-processed and fast-food consumption respectively. Conclusion: Each minority presented vulnerabilities to high percentages of weights exceeding the appropriate rates of BMI. The high consumption of fast and ultra-processed foods makes it important to consider factors related to health perception in each minority group.

Co-designing Mental Health Technologies with International University Students in Canada

Mental health problems are a serious concern among university students, and international students in Canada are known to be particularly vulnerable due to the underutilization of mental health services and unfamiliarity with Western approaches to mental health. However, international students' mental well-being remains underexplored in HCI. In this study, we conducted remote synchronous remote co-design sessions with 19 participants (14 international students, 5 mental health professionals) to understand concretely what types of designs for interactive technologies suit these students' mental health needs and challenges. Based on their brainstormed ideas and sketches, we produced a set of design dimensions that span different types of support, interaction, and safety. The dimensions were then used to develop a set of four medium-fidelity mockups that spanned these dimensions, presenting a diverse range of design features. Using these mockups, we elicited feedback in an online survey from the same participants. Findings suggest that the students negotiate a complex understanding of helpfulness, comfort, and trust when they consider what types of designs to consider using. Each mockup highlights different ways to support individual differences and preferences. Our work serves as a foundation for designing technologies that can ease issues with accessibility and be more inclusive of international students' cultural backgrounds.

What factors contribute to higher grades in a first-year undergraduate management unit: an exploratory study at an Australian university

ABSTRACT There are multiple challenges associated with participating in a first-year undergraduate management unit at the university level. Students’ performance in such units is a critical milestone in their learning journey and can create positive/negative inertia for their future performance and continuation in a program. Through exploratory abductive analysis of 990 undergraduate students’ performance in a first-year, first-semester management unit at an Australian university, we find that tutor’s qualification, tutor’s gender, student’s age, entry score, number of simultaneous degrees undertaken, and number of tutorials attended are critical factors for success. Our data indicates tutor’s experience, student’s gender, and engagement with the learning management system and discussion forum do not have a statistically significant influence. As the massification of higher education has led to a growing body of international students in Australian universities, we also compare and contrast the effect of these factors between international and domestic cohorts. Our results indicate that critical factors influence domestic and international undergraduate students differently (positive vs. negative vs. non-linear). We propose a theoretical model by connecting empirical constructs, current theories, and emerging theoretical constructs. The practical implications relevant to business school leadership teams and faculty members in Australian and other similar universities are also discussed.

Examining the effectiveness and acceptability of a group-based ACT intervention delivered by videoconference to international university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Studies have shown that international students are at increased risk of experiencing poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has had further negative impacts on the psychological well-being of students. In this quasi-experimental study, we examined the impact of a brief acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) -based group intervention delivered by videoconference (ACT videoconference; n = 48). We used an equivalent in-person group intervention administrated prior to the pandemic as a reference group (ACT face-to-face; n = 53). In addition, we investigated the exposure – response relationship, dropout attrition, acceptability, and user experiences. International university students participated in five online group meetings using a videoconferencing app during the COVID-19 pandemic and were compared with students participating in five face-to-face group meetings prior to the pandemic. Symptoms (stress, anxiety, depression) and process measures (psychological inflexibility, mindfulness, engaged living) indicated similar positive changes in both groups (e.g. PSS-10, ACT videoconference dw = 0.54; ACT face-to face dw = 0.94; AFQ-Y, ACT videoconference dw = 0.55; ACT face-to-face, dw = 0.84), with a slightly larger effect in the ACT face-to-face group. This study suggests that brief ACT-based group workshops can be effective in enhancing the psychological flexibility of international university students, and decreasing symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety whether delivered by videoconference or face-to-face format.

Assessment of self-medication status among international students in different universities in Pakistan; a cue to the rational use of medicines: a cross-sectional study

Background: Self-medication is a global phenomenon that can lead to adverse consequences. This study was conducted to assess the self-medication status among international students in Pakistan so that rational use of medicines (RUM) can be assured with effective interventions. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 317 international students in different universities in Pakistan. The original Bloom’s cutoff point was utilized to categorize the participants’ overall knowledge, attitude, and practice. The χ2 test was used to test for group differences. For binary logistic regression analyses, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated at 95% CI. Spearman rank correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationships among the knowledge, attitude, and/or practice scores. Results: The participants demonstrated overall good knowledge (85.5%), positive attitude (83.9%), and good practice (78.5%) towards self-medication. None of the demographic parameters were found statistically significant with knowledge, attitude, and practice about self-medication. The participants with good knowledge and positive attitude had more than 7 and 30 times high odds of good practice (OR: 7.97, 95% CI: 4.06–15.65, P < 0.001 and OR: 30.91, 95% CI: 14.26–67.00, P < 0.001) than those without good knowledge and positive attitude, respectively. Conclusion: Good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice towards self-medication show the value of education and awareness towards RUM. The interventions to halt the irrational practice of self-medication, expanding awareness, and executing legislation to upgrade the judicious use of self-medication practices are indicated for the RUM at the national level.

Predictors of Periodontal Diseases in the Student Population of Caucasus International University: A Study of Risk Factors and Oral Health Optimization

Abstract Introduction: Periodontal diseases cause esthetic and functional disorders having an impact on oral and general health and the psychological and social status of a person. “Unhealthy oral cavity” as a problem is particularly painfully perceived by young patients, having concern predominantly about their appearance and personal social connections. The migration of foreigners to Georgia has made a great impact on dental referrals in Georgia last years. Foreign populations are different in lifestyle, diet, dental practices, and oral hygiene habits. They live, study, or work and are closely integrated into Georgian society; subsequently, their oral health may influence periodontal diseases’ overall prevalence in the country. The Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to assess the periodontal status of Caucasus International University (CIU) students of different nationalities, study the risk factors, and oral health optimization by planning and implementing preventive measures. Methods: This was randomized research conducted on 820 students aged 18–35 years, including 370 Georgians and 450 foreigners, 369 boys and 451 girls. Results: Unhealthy periodontal tissues were observed in 46.3% of boys and 44.6% of girls. 34.8% of Georgians and 66.4% of foreigners were suffering from gum bleeding. Bleeding on probing of II and III degrees was common in the 1st (18–25) age group (40.5% and 31.0%, respectively) and I and II degrees in the 2nd (26–35) age group (39.4% and 44.9%, respectively). Conclusion: Findings indicate a rather high prevalence of dental plaque-induced gingivitis in the CIU student population. Students do not receive adequate dental care and have negative attitudes toward oral hygiene skills and dental services. Management of periodontal problems with an emphasis on oral hygiene enhancement and promotion of oral prophylaxis accentuated the role of the university dental clinic in providing scientific and clinical experience to the CIU students.

Health Experiences of Women University Students of Color and Women International Students in the United States During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From a Transnational, Virtual Photovoice Study.

Women university students in the United States who are students of color and international students consistently experience health disparities. These were exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial upheaval following the murder of George Floyd. Within that context, this study aimed to explore the health and well-being experiences of women students of color and international women students at a university in the Midwestern United States in 2020-2021. This participatory, transnational study utilized a virtual adaptation of Photovoice with 14 participants who joined the study from five different countries. Participatory elements included participant co-researchers co-leading development of the photo "mission," icebreakers, naming of the project, design of the project logo, choosing photos for discussion and exhibits, initial analysis of emergent themes, and approval and editing of photos for exhibit. Inductive thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) grief and loss, (2) barriers and facilitators to social health, and (3) fear and stress from simultaneous social stressors. Data was not mutually exclusive with some photos and narratives illustrating more than one theme. The women experienced grief and loss while negotiating effects of social isolation and adapting to maintain social health. Negative mental and emotional health experiences were amplified as the social context of police brutality and anti-immigrant sentiments overlaid the stress of the pandemic. Study results demonstrate need for increased and tailored health and social service support for women students of color and international women university students.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Experiences of International Students Studying in Universities of Western Countries

Engaging in sexual relationships is part of adulthood, but doing so in a foreign country can be risky because unsafe sexual experiences can have severe consequences for international students. This review explored sexual and reproductive health (SRH) experiences and needs of international university students in Western countries to identify challenges and gaps and to discuss critical SRH interventions. Four databases (Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed) were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2023. After screening 1607 articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Results of the review showed that many international students lack comprehensive knowledge about sexual health and sexually transmitted infections. They often obtain SRH information from informal sources, face language barriers, and experience difficulties navigating the healthcare systems of their host countries. University sexual wellness programs should examine how cultural orientations impact the sexual health of international students and provide culturally appropriate SRH interventions.