Overseas Students Research Articles

The Effects of Culture Shock on The Cultural Adaptation of Overseas Students in Thailand at King Mongkut’s University

This paper aims to examine the phenomenon of culture shock experienced by international students studying in Thailand for their master’s degree and explore their strategies for adapting to Thai culture. This research employed a semi-structured interview with eight international students at King Mongkut’s University of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand. The participants completed the open-ended questionnaires and provided responses via a Google Docs link. The writer will use Kalervo Oberg's four stages of culture shock to better understand culture shock and the adaptation process of overseas students studying in Thailand. The research illustrates the causes behind international students' desire to pursue educational institutions in Thailand and their experiences with culture shock across the four stages, along with their adaptation process. The findings suggest that overseas students suffer from culture shock in relation to their surroundings, language, cultural norms, and academic areas.

Family Support for Student Wellbeing of Migrant Students at Universitas Hasanuddin Makassar

study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between family support and the welfare of migrant students. Knowing the level of student well being, and knowing the effective contribution of family social support to student well-being. The research subjects were 115 overseas students at Universitas Hasanuddin Makassar. The method uses a quantitative approach. The data analysis technique used in this study is the Product Moment correlation of the person. Based on the results of data analysis, the correlation coefficient was obtained as ???????????? = 0.723 with sig. = 0.000; p < 0.001, so that the proposed hypothesis is accepted, it can be said that there is a very significant positive relationship between family social support and student well-being. The effective contribution of family support to student well-being is 63.5% and the remaining 36.5% is influenced by other variables. The level of student well being of overseas students is included in the high category with an empirical mean of 69.20 and a hypothetical mean of 57.5. Family support is included in the high category with an empirical mean of 79.25 and a hypothetical mean family support scale of 62.5

Exploring financial reverse remittances. A quantitative study in the Italian context

ABSTRACT While many studies examine the remittances sent by migrants to their home countries, little is known about the financial resources that flow from home countries to migrants abroad, also known as reverse remittances. Following an in-depth analysis of the limited existing literature, our study focuses on the practice of financial reverse remittances among migrants living in the Italian region of Lombardy to assess their incidence, their relationship with the migrants’ migration stage, and the occurrence of economic hardship. We build on a quantitative survey of 4,000 migrants carried out in 2014. Our research shows that overseas students, long-term migrants living with a partner, and, in general, migrants facing economic hardship and job insecurity are more likely to receive financial reverse remittances. The implications of our findings in light of the 2007–2008 global financial crisis in Italy are also discussed.

Perception and Knowledge of Students on the Use of YouTube in Authentic Assessment

Literacy design by using digital learning resources in the instructional activities at school is presently inevitable. Besides providing learning materials, digital learning materials are also suitable for applying authentic assessment that can improve learners’ skills and competencies contextually. The study is intended to explore students’ perceptions on the use of the YouTube as materials for authentic assessment. The study was carried out through quantitative and qualitative surveys with 47 graduate students at Yogyakarta State University, 45 domestic and 2 overseas students. The study took place in a blended learning context. Students were asked to complete an on-line questionnaire, practice authentic assessment in class, and conduct observation activities. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and descriptive qualitative method. Findings show that students’ perceptions on the use of the YouTube channel and authentic assessment are generally positive. Almost all the students agree with the genre-based language learning and assessment of which one of the resources is the Internet and all its derivations; almost all of the students agree that the implementation of the YouTube-based instructional processes applies the authentic assessment model with the primary performances of speaking and writing using a rubric; practice of students’ performances in authentic competencies is scored and commented on by their peer.

International medical students’ experiences of psychological safety in feedback episodes: a focused ethnographic study

BackgroundFeedback and psychological safety are well-established concepts within medical education, vital for student learning and progress. However, the concepts remain unexplored in the context of international students. This area deserves attention given the unique challenges faced by the overseas medical students due to cultural differences. The present study examines international students’ experiences of psychological safety in feedback interactions in a Scottish undergraduate medical programme.MethodsA focused ethnographic approach was adopted to explore international students’ experiences and perceptions of psychological safety in their feedback experiences. Data were collected in the form of field observations and semi-structured interviews, involving both student and faculty participants. Approximately 13hrs of fieldwork and a total of 11 interviews were conducted. These were analysed using a combination of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.ResultsData analysis identified four key themes: feedback delivery, educator attributes, cultural factors and longitudinal educational relationships. Both staff and student participants highlighted how environmental factors such as room design and group size functioned as enablers or barriers to psychological safety in feedback episodes. Additionally, students appreciated tutors who expressed vulnerability and demonstrated awareness of their cultural backgrounds. Students described significant differences between the feedback approaches in the host (UK) institute and that in their home country. Longitudinal associations fostered trust and familiarity with peers and tutors, enhancing students’ receptivity to learning and feedback.ConclusionThis present study highlights cultural differences in feedback practices across countries and their impact on psychological safety among international students. It stresses the importance of integrating overseas students by considering group dynamics, environment and diverse student needs. Staff awareness of cultural variability, openness to tutor vulnerability and fostering long-term educational relationships can greatly enhance psychological safety in learning and teaching activities. These insights are relevant amidst the growing globalisation of medical education and the mobility of students across borders, advocating for tailored integration to optimise their learning experience and achievement.

Analisis Fenomena Culture Shock dan Proses Adaptasi Mahasiswa Rantau Pasca Pandemi Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to daily life, including in the world of education. Overseas students, especially the class of 2020 at Telkom University, experience unique challenges in adapting to a new environment amid restrictions caused by the pandemic. This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of culture shock and the adaptation process carried out by overseas students at Telkom University, Bandung. Using a qualitative approach with phenomenological methods, this study explores the personal experiences of overseas students from various provinces in Indonesia, especially those from Medan. The results showed that students experienced various levels of culture shock influenced by changes in learning methods from face-to-face to online, limited social interaction, and regional cultural differences. The adaptation process involved strategies such as blending into the new environment, using technology in communication, and adjusting to new learning methods. This research provides insight into the importance of academic and social support for overseas students in dealing with culture shock and adaptation in the post-COVID-19 pandemic higher education environment

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AND SOCIOCULTURAL ADAPTATION AMONG CHINESE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship and mechanisms influencing the positive psychological capital, social support and sociocultural adaptation of Chinese international students pursuing higher education in Malaysian universities. Through quantitative research methods, the mechanisms that facilitate or hinder the successful sociocultural adaptation of Chinese international students to a new sociocultural environment are revealed. Given the increasing popularity of cross-border international student mobility, this study is highly relevant and provides important insights into the potential opportunities and challenges posed by such mobility. The findings suggest a significant positive relationship between psychological resources (positive psychological capital) and sociocultural adaptation among Chinese overseas students. Meanwhile, social support played a partial mediating role, facilitating the transformation of internal strengths (psychological capital) to external outcomes (sociocultural adaptation). The findings of this study have important implications for university assistance programmes that aim to improve the success and well-being of Chinese overseas students by enhancing psychological resources. Furthermore, this investigation contributes fresh insights to the wider discourse on intercultural education, clarifying how psychological elements impact international student adjustment within such contexts. It serves as a foundation for crafting more impactful interventions targeted at mitigating acculturative stress encountered by international students during their overseas academic pursuits.

Kemampuan Adaptasi Dan Komunikasi Mahasiswa Perantau Di Wonogiri

Migrant students often have difficulty understanding the culture and language of local students. So that students anxious when meeting and interanting directly with students on the STAB Negeri Raden Wijaya Wonogiri campus. The adaptability and communication skills of migrant students are relatively low due to the cultural differences between migrant students and local environment. This research aims to analyze the adaptation and communication skills of migrant students in Wonogiri. In this research, researchhers used quantitative methods and the research was designed as explanatory survey research. The results of the research show that overseas students are able to interact and communicate with local students who of course have different cultures. Apart from that, as long as migrant students adapt and communicate, migrant students learn a lot about the culture that exists in the STAB Negeri Raden Wijaya Wonogiri campus environment and they learn that adaptation and communication are really needed when they in a new living environment. The statistical test results show that each categories shows a high category and percentage.

Challenges and strategies for navigating Australian healthcare access: experience from Chinese international students

BackgroundAustralia hosts over 680,000 international students, contributing $47.8 billion to the Australian economy in 2023, and Chinese students rank first among all nationalities. However, despite their considerable numbers, research focusing on their access to healthcare services is scant. This study aimed to explore barriers and supports regarding the utilisation of healthcare services among Chinese international students studying in Australia.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted in Chinese between October and December 2023 with 25 Chinese international students (age range, 19–30; female/male, n = 18/7; undergraduate/postgraduate/doctoral, n = 1/18/6) enrolled in three Australian universities to understand the healthcare challenges they encountered and the coping strategies they recommended. These interviews were recorded, and thematic analysis was applied to the interview data. An adapted social-ecological model was used to identify barriers and pragmatic strategies to deal with the challenges at different levels.ResultsChinese international students in Australia faced healthcare barriers at different levels. Individual barriers included language and cultural disparities, lack of knowledge about the healthcare system, and reluctance to seek help. Institutional barriers involved high costs, difficulties regarding appointments, and procedures related to the referral system. Policy barriers included insurance coverage and reimbursement issues. The students interviewed for this study proposed individual-level strategies, such as trying various methods to reduce language barriers, seeking information online, and using online resources and consultations. A central appointment platform and multilingual medical service were recommended from students to medical institutions, while medical service guidance and psychological support were suggested to education institutions. Higher-level strategies were also reported, which were mainly pertaining to insurance terms and coverage for overseas students and improving the accessibility of medical information.ConclusionsOur study identifies barriers to healthcare access for Chinese international students in Australia, including culture-specific challenges. To mitigate these issues, we recommend self-directed health promotion, targeted support by education institutions, enhanced cross-cultural communication and expanded telemedicine by hospitals, and attention to insurance coverage. Future research should explore optimising these approaches to improve support systems and policy frameworks.

“Although But...” A Study of Bias in the Narrative Discourse of Thai Overseas Students

This paper takes the Thai students in Guangxi University of Foreign Languages as the research object to investigate their application of Chinese transitional related words "although... But..." And systematically summarize their use of breaking class connective words "although... But..." The types of errors appear in time, and explore the causes of their formation. Finally, based on the research results, targeted teaching suggestions are proposed to help Thai students more accurately grasp the "although... But..." In order to provide reference for teaching transition related words in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, the correct use of these words in narrative texts can improve the writing quality and Chinese expression ability.

The Relationship between Peer Social Support and Homesickness Incidents in Overseas Students at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Muhammadiyah University, Jember

Overseas students are students who are studying outside their area of ​​origin. Some overseas students tend to experience homesickness because they miss their parents and hometown, so they need support from their environment. Social support is information and feedback from other people that shows that someone is loved and cared for, appreciated and respected and is involved in a network of reciprocal communication and obligations. Quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study were overseas students at the Muhammadiyah University of Jember, Faculty of Health Sciences Class of 2023. The population in this study was 53 overseas students with a sample size of 47 people and was taken using simple random sampling techniques. The statistical test between peer support and the incidence of homesickness as measured using Spearman rho with α = 0.05 resulted in p value = 0.000, and r = -0.625, meaning that there is a relationship between social support from peers and the incidence of homesickness in overseas students. The suggestion of this research is that health institutions are advised to provide education related to social support from peers, especially overseas students, so that they are able to adapt to new environments.

Rate and sociodemographic correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress among domestic and overseas medical students: A cross-sectional observation from a private medical college in Bangladesh.

Depression, anxiety, and stress are the commonly encountered mental health conditions among medical students. Overseas environment may add additional burden to the existing environment. However, comparison of the rate and associated factors of depression, anxiety, stress among domestic and overseas students has not been attempted in Bangladesh. We aimed to assess the rate and associated factors of depression, anxiety, stress among domestic and overseas medical students in the country. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 undergraduate medical students in 2021. Data were collected by self-reporting instruments by a stratified random sampling method by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 scale. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were done by computing crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval to identify the associated factors. Among the 360 undergraduate medical students, 181 were domestic and 179 overseas ones. 44.8% of domestic students reported depressive symptoms, 45.3% reported anxiety symptoms, and 33.1% reported stress. On the other hand, half of overseas students experienced depression (50.3%) and anxiety (52.5%), and 41.3% experienced stress. Female medical students were found vulnerable for developing depression, anxiety, and stress than males. The study revealed higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among overseas undergraduate medical students enrolled in a private medical school of Bangladesh. Private medical college authorities could consider special services for overseas students to ensure adequate psychosocial support.

Overseas Students' Recruitment and Cultivation in Jiangsu Higher Vocational Colleges under "Belt and Road" Initiative

Overseas Students' Recruitment and Cultivation in Jiangsu Higher Vocational Colleges under "Belt and Road" Initiative

Iwakura Mission and the Network of Japanese Students in the United States

Abstract One notable characteristic of the Iwakura Mission was, in Tanaka Akira’s words, its historical and cultural “continuity in discontinuity.” While its leaders were mostly from the aristocracy and the powerful Satsuma and Chōshū domains with little experience in the West, the secretaries who assisted them were former Tokugawa retainers that were experts in foreign affairs. The ryūgakusei, or overseas students, who were in the United States or Europe prior to the mission’s arrival and joined them on site, were another group that exemplified the “continuity.” Reform-minded daimyo and the progressive members of the Tokugawa regime had dispatched many to the West during the Tokugawa period with the very purpose to become useful servants to assist Japan’s quick and successful modernization. Once recruited to the mission, these ryūgakusei served as guides, interpreters, and investigators, collecting and compiling information on various institutions and policies in the respective countries. The knowledge, experience, and linguistic skills they had acquired and the network they created while abroad were vital in facilitating the Iwakura Mission and the new Meiji government’s subsequent effort of modernization.

Pengaruh Loneliness terhadap Problematic Internet Use pada Mahasiswa Dewasa Awal di Perantauan

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of loneliness on problematic internet use in overseas early adult students. Data were collected with the Problematic Internet Use Scale and the Loneliness Scale from 100 samples. Sample selection was used using purposive sampling technique. The data analysis used is simple linear regression analysis. With the results of p value = 0.060 (>0.01), t count = 1.903 (> t table). This shows that there is a negative relationship or there is no influence of loneliness on problematic internet use in early adult students overseas. The coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.036, this shows that loneliness only has a contribution of 3.6% to problematic internet use.

An Exploration of Frugal Living's Lifestyle Among Migrant Students of Pertamina University: Implications for Identity in Intercultural Communication

This research explores the application of frugal living lifestyle among Pertamina University overseas students, focusing on the implications for identity and intercultural communication. The background of this research is the high cost of living in DKI Jakarta, which poses a challenge for overseas students. Frugal living emerged as a solution to overcome this financial challenge, emphasizing smart and disciplined financial management. This research aims to understand how students internalize and communicate frugal living values in their daily lives. This research uses a qualitative approach with an interpretive paradigm. Participants were selected through purposive sampling technique, with the inclusion criteria of overseas students who live a frugal lifestyle. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations, while secondary data were obtained from supporting documents and literature. Data analysis was conducted by interpreting the results of interviews and observations to understand the application of frugal living and its implications for identity and intercultural communication patterns. The validity of the research was maintained by selecting the right participants and reaching the information saturation point. The results show that frugal living is not just a financial management strategy, but also reflects the values of simplicity, sustainability, and responsibility. The frugal identity that is formed affects the way students interact with the surrounding environment, strengthens their sense of independence and responsibility, and is recognized as a wise individual in managing finances. The implications of this research can support further understanding of the frugal living lifestyle among overseas students, with a focus on identity formation and intercultural communication.

PERAN MIGRASI DALAM PROSES AKULTURASI DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP TINGKAT HOMESICKNESS PADA MAHASISWA RANTAU

The purpose of this research is to find out how migration can play a role in the acculturation process and cause homesickness in overseas students, to find out how acculturation can be a pressure for overseas students, and to find out how pressure and homesickness can affect students' mental state. The research method used is descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach, namely by collecting the sources needed for research studies then followed by analysis. The results of this study show that migration triggers an acculturation process that requires students to always adjust to cultural differences, norms, and values in their new environment. This process is not only a negative challenge for overseas students, but also brings opportunities for personal growth and intercultural skill development. This acculturation can have a significant impact on various aspects of life, ranging from emotional well-being, academic achievement, to social relationships. There is a need for tailored education, intervention and support strategies to support individuals in coping with the challenges and opportunities that arise during this process.

Assessment symposium assessment practice in a changing world

The University English Centres of Australia (UECA) 'Assessment Symposium: Assessment Practice in a Changing World' at Southern Cross University in October 2022 highlighted the growing interest in integrated assessment in Australian university direct entry programs (DEPs) for English as Additional Language (EAL) students. In keynote presentations, Professor Antony John Kunnan, Carnegie Mellon University; Professor Guoxing Yu, University of Bristol; and Dr Paul Moore, the University of Queensland, shared an overview of their scholarly work on integrated assessment. The Symposium also included practitioner and student voices from Australia’s English language intensive courses for overseas students (ELICOS) sector in a panel discussion that considered the impacts of integrated and online assessment on assessment practices in their contexts over the previous three years. This paper provides excerpts from these speakers, contextualised with a brief discussion of DEPs globally, and focussing on the Australian university DEP context.

PREDICTORS OF THE ENJOYMENT AND MISSING EXPERIENCES OF MALAYSIAN STUDENTS IN HOME COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to identify the predictors of the adaptation experiences of Malaysian students in home country and overseas, from two perspectives: missing and enjoyment experiences. At Time 1, 2090 responses were collected from a group of students who were enrolling at various overseas preparatory studying programmes (later termed as overseas students) and also first year students who were continuing their education at a public university in Malaysia (later termed as home country students). At Time 2, 628 of the participants were retained. The predictor variables were Time 1 well-being indicators (i.e. life satisfaction, positive and negative affect), importance and satisfaction of conservation and self-transcendence values, perceived success (measured by the Malaysian Certificate of Examination results and perceived English language fluency), personality, and parents’ level of education. The findings showed that overseas students who had a low level of English language fluency and a high level of importance of conservation and satisfaction of self-transcendence values tended to miss home. Similarly, overseas students who were less fluent in English were less likely to enjoy their life abroad. Whilst for the home country students, the high level of negative affect predicted their missing experience, and none of the predictor variables were found to be significant in contributing to enjoyment experience.

The Association Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Mobile Phone Addiction Among Overseas Chinese Students During COVID-19: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Stress and Rumination.

This study investigated the mechanism underlying the association between intolerance of uncertainty and mobile phone addiction among Chinese overseas students during the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the mediating roles of perceived stress and rumination. An online questionnaire survey was distributed via social media platforms popular in mainland China. The items collected demographic information and assessed intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, rumination, and mobile phone addiction. A total of 249 respondents completed the questionnaire. The findings suggest a considerably high risk of mobile phone addiction in the study period among overseas Chinese students, as three-fourths of the participants may have been susceptible to mobile phone addiction according to the suggested cut-off point of the Chinese version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form. Intolerance of uncertainty showed a significant positive direct effect on mobile phone addiction. The mediation analyses suggest that intolerance of uncertainty affected mobile phone addiction mainly through three pathways: the mediating effect of perceived stress, the mediating effect of rumination, and the chain mediating effect of perceived stress and rumination. This study enhances understanding of mobile phone addiction among Chinese overseas students and suggests the mediating roles of rumination and perceived stress in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and mobile phone addiction. The study also provides suggestions for interventions among Chinese students overseas.