Well-being Of International Students Research Articles

The Mediating Effect of Acculturation Ability in the Relationship between Discriminatory Stress and Mental Well-Being among Chinese Students in South Korean Universities

As the number of international students in Korea increases, it is particularly important to pay attention to their mental well-being and adaptability. This study aimed to explore the mediating effect of acculturation ability on the relationship between discrimination stress and mental well-being among Chinese students studying in Korea. The mental well-being of international students has always been a concern. However, for the Chinese students in Korea, who occupy the largest proportion of international students and have special discrimination stress, their psychological adaptation to the cross-cultural environment has not been fully studied. Discrimination stress may negatively affect their mental well-being, and the acculturation ability may play a key role in this process. This study examined the relationship between discrimination stress, acculturation ability, and mental well-being by reviewing data from the literature on Chinese international students studying in South Korea. This study discovered that the association between discriminatory stress and mental well-being is significantly mediated by acculturation skills. That is, international students with higher acculturation ability are more likely to mitigate the adverse effects of discrimination experiences on their mental well-being. The results of this study highlight the importance of acculturation ability in the mental well-being research of international students. In the future, support and intervention measures should be developed for Chinese students studying in South Korea to improve their acculturation ability so as to reduce the negative impact of the stress brought by discrimination on mental well-being and promote the sound development of cross-cultural education.

FACULTY ENGAGEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUCCESS: A REVIEW OF BEST PRACTICES AND STRATEGIES

This review investigates the pivotal role of faculty engagement in enhancing the success of international students within higher education settings. Recognizing the increasing diversity of student populations globally, the study aims to synthesize existing research to discern effective strategies for supporting the academic, social, and cultural integration of international students. By examining the impact of faculty involvement both inside and outside the classroom, this review sheds light on best practices that contribute to the broader discourse on internationalizing higher education. The review explores the multifaceted dimensions of faculty engagement and its correlation with international student success. Within the classroom, effective teaching methodologies, inclusive pedagogical approaches, and culturally responsive practices are identified as key factors influencing the academic achievement and retention of international students. Moreover, fostering an inclusive learning environment that embraces diverse perspectives and encourages active participation is crucial for promoting student engagement and satisfaction. Beyond the classroom, the review delves into the importance of faculty involvement in co-curricular activities, mentorship programs, and community engagement initiatives. By actively participating in extracurricular events, faculty members can facilitate cross-cultural interactions, provide social support networks, and promote a sense of belonging among international students. Additionally, mentorship programs led by faculty mentors offer personalized guidance, academic advice, and cultural adjustment assistance, thereby nurturing the holistic development of international students. Furthermore, the review highlights the significance of faculty training and professional development in preparing educators to effectively support diverse student populations. Cultivating intercultural competencies, understanding the unique challenges faced by international students, and adopting inclusive teaching practices are essential components of faculty development initiatives. This review underscores the critical role of faculty engagement in fostering academic success, social integration, and overall well-being of international students. By synthesizing research findings and identifying best practices, this study contributes to the advancement of strategies for internationalizing higher education institutions and promoting inclusive excellence.
 Keywords: Faculty Engagement; International Student; Success; Best practices; Strategies.

Challenges facing international students at Iranian universities: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThis study examines the challenges faced by international students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) and provides insights into their experiences and needs.MethodologyA self-developed structured questionnaire was administered to international students who completed their first year at TUMS. Data were collected from 165 participants (76% response rate) and analyzed using SPSS 22.0.ResultsThe study reveals that international students encounter various challenges, including difficulties accessing information, language barriers, ineffective communication, administrative inefficiencies, cultural issues, financial constraints, and limited scholarship opportunities. Analysis of students’ characteristics indicates that the length of study at TUMS is significantly associated with the challenges experienced. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing support services and resources for international students, such as language classes, academic counseling, scholarships, and cultural exchange programs.ConclusionAddressing these challenges can foster a more supportive environment, contributing to the academic success and well-being of international students at TUMS and similar universities.

Enhancing English Language Proficiency and Well-being in EAL International PhD Students: The Impact of Personalised Autonomous Learning

Research has shown that English language proficiency (ELP) plays a crucial role in the psychological well-being of international students (e.g. Li et al., Journal of International Students, 4(4), 301-313, 2014). However, few studies have reported positive correlations between their improved English skills and well-being. The present study examines how a new pedagogy called personalised autonomous (PA) model can induce a virtuous cycle in international PhD students to enhance their English language proficiency and consequently, their well-being. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data from two groups of students: those who experienced the PA model in a course entitled Personalised English Language Enhancement (PELE) and those who did not. We conducted surveys at the beginning and end of the term to compare entry and exit data. Comparison of the entry and exit survey data for PELE students showed significant improvements across almost all dependent variables including self-efficacy, well-being and a sense of belonging to the university community. In contrast, the non-PELE students did not significantly improve in any variable. In focus groups, students indicated how their improved communicative confidence sparked a virtuous cycle leading to greater well-being and a stronger sense of community. Our data strongly suggests that ELP extends beyond mere linguistic ability; it embodies a dynamic interplay between one’s language skills and their self-confidence. Diminished confidence may trigger a vicious cycle of fear of communication, unwillingness to engage, unproductive research, and estranged relationships with supervisors. Therefore, it is imperative for educators and policymakers to critically review and enhance their approaches to supporting the ELP of international PhD students.

The relation between economic stressors and higher education students' mental health during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on the financial situation of higher education students, disproportionately affecting students with a low socioeconomic status (SES). This raises the question of whether economic stressors related to COVID-19 have aggravated existing socioeconomic inequalities in mental health. This study examined the relationship between economic stressors and students' depressive symptoms, and the role of students' SES and countries' socioeconomic conditions. Data from the COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study was used for multilevel analyses, with depressive symptoms as dependent variable. Three indicators measured SES: educational level of the parents, ability to borrow money from their social network, and struggling with financial resources prior to COVID-19. Students with a low SES had more depressive symptoms, and those not able to borrow money and with parents without higher education were more exposed to a deterioration in their financial situation. Both economic stressors (reduction in working hours and a deterioration of their financial situation) were positively related to depressive symptoms. In addition, the positive relationship between a decrease in working hours and depressive symptoms was stronger in countries with a higher unemployment rate. We observed socioeconomic inequalities in students' mental health, which, in part, can be ascribed to a larger exposure to the economic stressors related to COVID-19 among students' with a low SES. The macroeconomic context also played a role, as the impact of a reduction in working hours on depressive symptoms was stronger in countries with poor economic conditions.

Impact of Closure of South African Universities on Wellbeing of International Students During Covid-19 Pandemic

The surging coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has impacted all spheres of the economy not sparing higher education in South Africa. The impact was felt by both staff and students not only on teaching and learning but also on their socio-economic, health and physical well-being. This paper sought to explore the experiences international students during the closure of the universities in the country due to Covid-19 pandemic. This paper adopted the data from self-designed questionnaire administered to 68 international students from a public university in South Africa The quantitative data were analysed using the descriptive statistics. The results show that international students were more vulnerable and exposed to socio-economic and mental challenges including sense of low esteem, financial distress and emotional distress during the pandemic which impacted negatively on their academic outputs and social wellbeing, amongst other things. The findings also revealed that the university authorities did not take the necessary steps to address the life circumstances of the international students. The paper, therefore, highlights the holistic understanding of how to mitigate and alleviate the socio-economic impacts of such pandemic in future through opening dialogue, changing institutional policy to respond to emergency as at when it occurs, and the universities or higher institutions should put in place intervention strategies to assist foreign students during the outbreak of a disease.

An international comparison of gender differences in mental health among higher-education students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a multilevel design

BackgroundMental health problems are a common phenomenon among higher-education students. How these mental health problems manifest themselves appears to differ between male and female students. While the latter group bears a greater risk of developing internalizing problems, with depression being particularly prevalent, these problems manifest themselves in male students mainly via externalizing disorders, with alcohol abuse being the most prevalent. Available cross-national research on students’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, to date, mainly focused on the prevalence of depressive symptoms, thereby ignoring a possible gendered impact of the pandemic.MethodsThe current study used the COVID-19 International Student Well-Being Study, which collected data on students’ mental health during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 26 countries, and multilevel modeling was applied.ResultsIt finds that, overall, female students reported more depressive feelings, and male students reported more excessive alcohol consumption. The strictness of the governmental containment measures explained a substantial amount of these gender differences in depressive feelings, but not in excessive alcohol consumption.ConclusionsOur study highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic had a gendered impact on students’ mental health. Studies that ignore the gendered impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are therefore limited in scope.

Self-Efficacy and Homesickness in UKSW Migration Students from Bitung City

In this quantitative correlational research, the primary objective is to elucidate the relationship between self-efficacy and homesickness among a cohort of 77 UKSW overseas students hailing from Bitung City. The study employs a saturated sampling technique to ensure comprehensive participant representation. The research instrument integrates the well-established general self-efficacy scale (GSES), developed by Schwarzer and Jerusalem, and the homesickness questionnaire (HQ), crafted by Archer. Upon conducting data analysis using the Product Moment Pearson correlation technique, the study reveals a noteworthy correlation coefficient (rxy) of -0.671, accompanied by a significance value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). This statistical outcome signifies a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and homesickness in UKSW overseas students from Bitung City. Essentially, the findings suggest that heightened levels of self-efficacy are associated with diminished experiences of homesickness. Conversely, lower levels of self-efficacy are linked to increased homesickness among this student cohort. This research sheds light on the pivotal role of self-efficacy in influencing the emotional well-being of international students, particularly in the context of homesickness. The implications extend to the development of targeted interventions and support strategies aimed at enhancing the overall resilience and adjustment of overseas students. Future research endeavors may delve deeper into additional factors influencing homesickness and explore effective intervention strategies to bolster self-efficacy, thereby addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by international students.

The effect of social network sites on international students' acculturation, adaptation, and wellbeing

IntroductionA growing body of literature focuses on the impact of social media on well-being of international students. What remains understudied, is how these effects may be explained through acculturation and adaptation processes. This paper examines the mediating roles of acculturation dimensions (cultural maintenance and host country participation) and (psychological and sociocultural) adaptation, on the relationship between host and home Social Network Site (SNS) use and well-being, among two populations.MethodsHypotheses were tested using surveys distributed among a diverse group of international students in the Netherlands (n = 147) and a sample of Chinese students in Germany (n = 102).Results and discussionThe results of both studies show that international students use SNS to initiate contact with the host society, which relates positively to adaptation. However, using SNS to stay in contact with the home culture appears to inhibit the adaptation process, which relates to lower well-being. Our work suggests that these processes are similar across different contexts.

Spiritual Wellbeing of International Students: A New Zealand Case Study

Wellbeing of international students is an extensively explored topic in international education discourses. A plethora of research has been devoted to general wellbeing of international students. Nevertheless, little is known about international students’ spiritual wellbeing which can be pivotal to their adaptation to the new environment. In the context of New Zealand higher education, utilizing an intrinsic single case study design, this study examined spiritual wellbeing experienced by Indian international students. Phenomenographic interviews were conducted with 13 Indian students who were studying management courses at postgraduate level in an institute of technology in a North Island city of New Zealand. Data analysis generated three dimensions (spiritual cognition, spiritual practice, spiritual efficacy) of spiritual wellbeing which were influenced by four strategies of adaptation (connection, isolation, accommodation, integration). This study provided new insights into the experiences of international students which may influence international education in the long run.

A caring transformation of international education: possibilities, challenges and change

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on all facets of international education. Not only has it highlighted the inadequacy of existing care arrangements but it has also created new care needs. There is increased recognition among policy makers and education providers that they need to understand and support the wellbeing of international students more effectively – and indeed with greater care. Drawing on sociomaterial theories of care, this article considers the possibilities of care as a guiding principle for orienting the transformation of international education in more productive directions. Its central contention is that a focus on care will be vitally important for fostering the wellbeing of international students and for creating an institutional environment that more successfully attracts, retains, and supports them. Yet more than this, it will be crucial for redefining and realising the ambitious aims of international education itself. This article substantiates these claims by offering three ‘sketches’ of how a focus on care might reframe international education policy, institutional support, and point to new directions in research on international student mobility.

Humanising the internationalisation of higher education: enhancing international students’ wellbeing through the capability approach

ABSTRACT The international student experience has strategically transformed the internationalisation of higher education globally. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international student wellbeing has decreased. To enhance their wellbeing, we argue international students’ experience should be broadened to include community engagement, thereby increasing core capabilities for, by and with international students. Using Sen’s capability approach as a conceptual framework, we conducted a study in South Australia during the height of the pandemic. Partnering with one local non-for-profit organisation, we asked: ‘How have engagements with the local community affected international students’ capabilities to enhance their wellbeing?’ We offer critical interpretivist perspectives to report on a pilot study of 75 survey responses and 18 in-depth interviews. The findings identify diverse macro-structural forces that form a social context which has marginalised the students. Despite contingent and tenuous social relations and contexts, with support from the community outside the university, some students converted their capabilities to fortify their wellbeing. This study is critical given that the goal of re-strategising internationalisation of higher education begins from the students’ needs through an effective partnership between universities and communities.

Challenges Posed by COVID-19 on Doctoral Students' Wellbeing in Russia: Of International and Domestic Doctoral Students, Who Suffers More?

While universities closed, implementing remote teaching and learning in response to COVID-19, this change significantly impacted the lives of graduate students, given their exposure to unique and diverse experiences. It thus has become essential to understand the possible differences in regard to the pandemic's impact on international and domestic students. The aim of this study was to explore the consequences of the challenges posed by COVID-19 on doctoral students' wellbeing in Russia. The study surveyed 4454 doctoral students across 249 Russian public universities. The challenges posed by COVID-19 negatively affected international doctoral students' learning experience (β= -0.269, p<0.001); students' satisfaction with supervision (β= -0.098, p<0.001); dissertation experience (β= -0.039, p<0.001); and doctoral program satisfaction (β= -0.034, p<0.001). Furthermore, the challenges posed by COVID-19 affected domestic doctoral students' learning experience (β=-0.368, p<0.001); students' satisfaction with supervision (β=-0.194, p<0.001) and doctoral program satisfaction (β=-0.034, p<0.001). However, the influence of the challenges posed by COVID-19 on communication frequency was relatively positive for both international (β=0.060, p<0.001) and domestic students (β=0.021, p<0.001), and dissertation experience (β=0.061, p<0.001) was also positive for only domestic students. Furthermore, controlled factors comprising field of study (β=-0.033, p<0.001); year of study (β=0.127, p<0.001); and university region (β=-0.056, p<0.001) influenced the effect of the challenges posed by COVID-19 on international doctoral students. The COVID-19 challenges had the greatest impact on the wellbeing of international students. Furthermore, both international and domestic students' communication frequency with their supervisors underwent a relatively positive impact (which implies no effect on both categories of students). Furthermore, the challenges posed by COVID-19 had no effect on domestic students' dissertation experiences. Finally, among the controlled variables, field of study, year of study, and university region were discovered to be significant factors in relation to the challenges posed by COVID-19 for international students.

Effects of Chinese Language Learning Anxiety on the Mental Health of International Students in China: The Chain Mediating Effect of Campus Adaptation and Academic Resilience.

Studies have shown that Chinese language learning anxiety among international students in China can negatively affect their psychological adjustment. However, the specific effects and conditions of learning anxiety need to be further investigated. This study explored the mediating effects between Chinese language learning anxiety and psychological adjustment of international students in China. Chinese Learning Anxiety Scale, Campus Adaptability Scale for International Students in China, Academic Resilience Questionnaire for International Students in China, Zung's Self-Rated Depression Scale were administered to 307 international students from Nanjing Normal University in China, including 165 male students and 131 female students, aged 19-28 (M =21.42; SD = 1.528). Chinese language learning anxiety significantly predicted the psychological well-being of international students after controlling for gender and age variables. Furthermore, Chinese language learning anxiety predicted the mental health of students through the independent mediating effect of campus adaptation and academic resilience, as well as the chain mediating effect of campus adaptation and academic resilience. The study has theoretical and practical significance for improving international students' psychological adaptation and health, and implications for those involved in the management and teaching of international students in China. The research conclusions are as follows: firstly, when the Chinese learning anxiety of international students in China is strong, their campus adaptation and psychological resilience are reduced, and levels of depression increase; secondly, grades are significantly correlated with anxiety dimensions, and higher grades are associated with lower anxiety levels; finally, the mediating effects of campus adaptation and academic resilience were significant, together with a significant chain mediating effect of campus adaptation and academic resilience.

Are changes in physical activity during COVID-19 associated with mental health among Danish university students?

The benefits associated with being physical active on mental health is well-established, but little is known on how rapid changes in physical activity are associated with mental health. This study investigated the association between changes in physical activity and mental health among Danish university students during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Online survey data were collected among 2,280 university students at the University of Southern Denmark and University of Copenhagen in May-June 2020 as part the "COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study." Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze associations between changes in physical activity and mental health (depression and stress scores) adjusted for potential socio-economic confounders. During the first COVID-19 lockdown, 40% decreased their moderate and 44% their vigorous physical activity, while 16% increased their moderate and 13% their vigorous physical activity. Overall, students with a stable physical activity level had the lowest mean depressive and stress scores. Adjusted analyses showed that a decrease in vigorous and moderate physical activity level was significantly associated with a higher depression score (mean difference (vigorous): 1.36, p < 0.001 and mean difference (moderate): 1.55, p < 0.001). A decrease in vigorous physical activity and an increase in moderate physical activity was associated with a 1-point increase in the PSS-4 stress score (p < 0.001). A substantial proportion of students changed their physical activity level during lockdown. Our findings emphasize the importance of staying physically active during COVID-19 lockdown. This knowledge might be important for relevant health authorities to bridle post-pandemic mental health challenges.

The effectiveness of a five-session workshop on the distress of international students in Finland – a pilot study

ABSTRACT The mental health of international students has become a concern, as they face high levels of psychological distress. We designed a five-week acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) workshop with two additional individual assessment meetings. The intervention aimed at helping international students attending a Finnish university to reduce their symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, and enhance skills of psychological flexibility. The post-assessment was conducted seven weeks after the pre-measurement. Using data from 53 participants, an evaluation indicated that statistically and clinically significant reductions in symptoms were observed, and the workshop was well received. Regression analyses revealed that changes in psychological inflexibility, mindfulness, and value-based living acted as predictors of change in symptoms. Furthermore, changes in these psychological skills predicted changes in different kinds of distress. This study suggests that a brief group intervention might be a feasible alternative for enhancing the psychological well-being of international students.

Efficacy of the Tuned In music emotion regulation program in international university students

Objective Moving overseas to study can be exciting, however many international students find this transition stressful. Therefore, empirically supported strategies to assist with managing stress and supporting well-being are needed. Motivated music listening is an effective stress management strategy, and is linked with international student well-being. Tuned In is a group program designed to increase emotion awareness and regulation using motivated music listening. Methods and measures We evaluated a 4-session online version of Tuned In for motivated music use, emotion regulation, and well-being in international students. The study used a 2 (Treatment; Waitlist) x 3 (timepoints: pre = T1; +4 weeks = T2; +8 weeks = T3) randomised controlled cross-over design. Treatment participants (n = 23) completed Tuned In between T1 and T2, Waitlist participants (n = 27) completed Tuned In between T2 and T3. Results Between T1 and T2, motivated music use increased in Treatment participants but not for the Waitlist. Treatment participants were also more confident in maintaining happiness and in having healthy ways of managing emotions at T2. All participants enjoyed Tuned In. Conclusions Tuned In, a group-based music listening program, even when delivered online, provides benefits for international students. With student well-being at risk as they begin university, enjoyable programs that help develop skills for students’ academic journey should be a priority.

Students of an International Degree Programme Go Local

This study examines the interactions and communication between a group of African university students and a local Finnish community, as discussed by local friendship family members. Studies show that ensuring the well-being of international students and their study success is challenging in a foreign country. Students tend to remain in their own groups, and interaction with native students and local society may be minimal. To support international students’ adjustment, the university unit in question organised volunteer family support. The data consist of interviews with eleven participants. Interpretation of the data is based on the applied theoretical framework of cultural communication and various types of social and emotional support. The findings reveal that the local friendship families and adult friends had international backgrounds and were interested in international issues. The interaction was an evolving process with some difficulties in communication. The process included three main approaches: accepting the students as family members, introducing them to Finnish culture and providing them with emotional and instrumental support. When asked about communication with members of the local community, most participants described the students’ encounters with local residents as friendly and beneficial, but some also used the words ‘racism’ or ‘racist’ when describing certain situations. A local network is a flexible and versatile resource for supporting international students. The results indicate that friendship families could be used more effectively and better organised as part of the support programme for international students.

Effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Physical Activity in the Context of Mental Well-Being: A Multi-Country Comparison Among Higher Education Students

Regular physical activity (PA) plays a key role in maintaining physical and mental well-being; and even in pandemic time, it has special importance. This study investigated the changes in patterns of moderate and vigorous PA prior to and during coronavirus pandemic in a diverse sample of 125 higher education institutes from 26 countries. Association between mental well-being and changes in PA was also evaluated. Data for the present study has been used from the “COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study” (2020). 88,270 students of higher education aged 23.29 SD=5.70 years (72.8% females) completed an online questionnaire. Results indicated a global decrease both in moderate and vigorous PA, with women becoming more active than their male counterparts during pandemic time. There was a relationship between the change in physical activity pattern and the mental well-being. The most unfavourable mental well-being was observed in students who reduced or stopped PA. During pandemic, PA has been decreased globally; however, a group of students, particularly female students, took the opportunity to increase the amount of PA. The changes in PA before and prior to the pandemic relate to mental well-being. Implementation of promoting PA during pandemic time has a public health issue.

SOCIOCULTURAL ADAPTATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM NEIGHBORING AND DISTANT COUNTRIES: INTEGRATING ANALYTICAL CONTEXTS

This article presents a comparative study of the sociocultural adaptation of international students coming to Russia from neighboring (former Soviet republics) and distant countries and studying at the universities of the South Russian region. The preliminary overview of the studies reflects the different contexts in which the problem of adaptation is studied: economic, political, ethno-cultural-differential, and socio-identitarian. It is noted that the Russian approach to the organization of the educational process in groups of international students is characterized by its integrative nature. The implementation of educational tasks includes communicative opportunities for adaptation. This increases the well-being of international students in everyday life. At the same time, concern for the quality of the educational process and advanced teaching technologies affects the prestige and, consequently, the economic competitiveness of the university and the international status of Russian higher education. The study of various aspects of international students’ adaptation – psychological (resources) and sociocultural (expression) – was conducted on a group of 397 individuals, mainly from countries with Eastern culture, 247 men and 150 women. Among them, 110 were from distant countries, and 287 were from neighboring countries. We used an express diagnosis method developed based on an adapted version of the method “Self-assessment of psychological adaptability” by A.L. Svensitsky and the scales “Social commitment to the country” and “Cultural commitment to the country” from the questionnaire by S.V. Frolova. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis of the obtained data. The psychological and sociocultural adaptation of respondents from both subgroups showed a similar correlation between adaptation resources and their expressions at p 0.01. At the same time, significant differences between the samples were found in the indicators. The students who came to study from distant countries (Asian and African countries) showed low psychological (active and communicative) potential for successful sociocultural adaptation, while they had high expectations for successful adaptation. Improving their adaptation potential through educational means can be achieved by combining academic work with problem-solving activities in the educational, vocational, social, and communication domains. Students from neighboring countries (former Soviet republics) based their claims of successful adaptation on the social ties between the countries but simultaneously showed a distance from Russian cultural values. In this case, the work of educators would be effective if they continued to develop positive dynamics for intercultural relations and incorporate the traditions of interethnic good neighborliness on the territory of the southern region of Russia.