Understanding the Coping Strategies of International Students: A Qualitative Approach

International students encounter a range of additional challenges as a part of their tertiary study experience. A qualitative approach was used to understand the challenges faced by international students, coping strategies that promoted their personal resilience and advice they have for future inte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian journal of guidance and counselling 2011-12, Vol.21 (2), p.203-224
Main Authors: Khawaja, Nigar G., Stallman, Helen M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia
College Students
Coping
Culture Conflict
Education
Emotional Disturbances
Evaluation
Focus Groups
Foreign Countries
Foreign Students
Intervention
Language Skills
Methodology
Prevention
Qualitative Research
Resilience (Psychology)
Social adjustment
Social conditions
Social Isolation
Student Adjustment
Students, Foreign
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Summary:International students encounter a range of additional challenges as a part of their tertiary study experience. A qualitative approach was used to understand the challenges faced by international students, coping strategies that promoted their personal resilience and advice they have for future international students. Twenty-two international students from an Australian university participated in four focus groups. The challenges identified by students included adjustment, social isolation, English language skills, academic difficulties, unmet expectations, employment, culture shock and psychological distress. Participants shared their own personal experiences and strategies used by them to cope and identified strategies that future students could use prior to leaving their home country and whilst in Australia to improve their adjustment. Uses of international student stories in prevention interventions are discussed.
ISSN:1037-2911
1839-2520
DOI:10.1375/ajgc.21.2.203