International Students' University Experience: An Emotional Journey

International students experience a range of emotions when they first start university, from excitement and happiness to tears of sadness and homesickness. The period before leaving home can be busy and stressful, with students packing, seeing friends, and visiting family. They may also feel anxious about the unknown, scared of travelling or living away from home, and worried about the journey, accommodation, and academics. The first few weeks of university are often the hardest, as students adjust to a new academic culture, make new friends, and navigate other challenges. However, international students also bring many benefits to university campuses, fostering a diverse and culturally rich environment that prepares all students for life and careers in a global economy.

International students' mental health

International students face a unique set of challenges that can impact their mental health and wellbeing. The transition to university life can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with feelings of excitement and anticipation, but also stress, anxiety, sadness, and worry. International students often experience a greater sense of culture shock, adjusting to new academic cultures, and feelings of loneliness due to being far away from their support systems. These challenges can impact their mental health, and it is important for universities to provide adequate support and resources to promote the mental wellbeing of their international student population.

Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by International Students

International students may face a range of mental health challenges, including:

• Homesickness: The geographical distance from home can intensify feelings of homesickness and loneliness.
• Academic culture shock: Adjusting to a new academic system, different teaching styles, and higher expectations can be challenging.
• Language barriers: Communication difficulties and a lack of understanding of mental health terminology can impact help-seeking behaviours.
• Cultural differences: Navigating cultural differences, including different constructs of mental health, can affect how international students cope with stress and access support.
• Social isolation: Building a new social network and feeling connected to the university community can be challenging, especially for those who are shy or less sociable.
• Financial pressures: International students often face higher tuition fees and living costs, which can cause stress and impact their overall wellbeing.

Supporting International Student Mental Health

It is crucial for universities to recognise these unique challenges and provide tailored support to promote the mental health and wellbeing of international students. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Cultural and language sensitivity: Universities should ensure that mental health services are culturally sensitive and accessible to international students. This includes providing information and resources in multiple languages and offering training to staff on cultural competency.
• Orientation and transition support: Comprehensive orientation programs can help international students adjust to their new environment, navigate campus resources, and build a sense of community.
• Peer support programs: Connecting international students with current students who have had similar experiences can provide a sense of belonging and encourage help-seeking behaviours.
• Mental health literacy programs: Increasing mental health literacy can empower international students to recognise and manage their mental health effectively. This includes educating students about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, self-care strategies, and how to access support services.
• Collaboration with international student organisations: Partnering with international student organisations can help universities better understand the specific needs of their international student population and develop targeted interventions.
• Accessible and confidential support services: Ensuring that mental health services are easily accessible, confidential, and tailored to the unique needs of international students can encourage help-seeking and reduce stigma.

Best Practices for Universities

Some best practices for universities to support the mental health and wellbeing of international students include:

• Conducting regular needs assessments to understand the specific challenges and needs of their international student population.
• Offering a range of support services, including individual counselling, group therapy, and peer support programs.
• Providing training to staff and faculty on mental health first aid, cultural competency, and how to recognise and respond to students in distress.
• Collaborating with community organisations and cultural groups to ensure that students have access to culturally appropriate support both on and off-campus.
• Promoting mental health literacy and help-seeking through awareness campaigns, workshops, and peer-led initiatives.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of mental health programs and interventions through feedback and outcome measurements to ensure that they are meeting the needs of international students.

The impact of visa rules and immigration sentiment

International students face a range of emotions when they first start university, from excitement and happiness to tears and homesickness. The process of leaving home and moving abroad can be a rollercoaster, and the initial busy period of packing and saying goodbye to loved ones can be stressful and anxiety-inducing.

The visa application process itself can be complex and time-consuming, adding to the stress of moving abroad. The fear of visa rejection and concerns about job security post-study are also factors that influence students' choices. For example, Indian students are now considering countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany, which offer more straightforward job and permanent residency requirements. The ease of a country's visa processes has become a critical factor in students' decision-making, sometimes outweighing the prestige of educational institutions.

Overall, the impact of visa rules and immigration sentiment can shape international students' university choices, their mental health and wellbeing, and their ability to speak up without fear of repercussions.

The benefits of a diverse campus

International students bring a multitude of benefits to university campuses, enriching the student experience and fostering a vibrant and dynamic environment. Here are some of the key advantages of a diverse campus:

Exposure to Different Cultures

One of the most significant advantages of a diverse campus is the opportunity for students to interact with people from various cultural backgrounds. International students bring their unique perspectives, traditions, and experiences, adding a global dimension to the campus. This exposure to different cultures broadens the horizons of all students, promoting cultural understanding and empathy. It helps students develop valuable cross-cultural skills and a more nuanced view of the world, which is especially beneficial in today's globalised society.

Enhanced Learning Environment

Diversity in the classroom creates a stimulating learning environment. When students from multiple cultures come together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and ideas, leading to engaging discussions and exchanges. This diversity of thought encourages critical thinking, challenges stereotypes, and fosters a deeper understanding of different perspectives. It prepares students to navigate a diverse workplace and succeed in a global economy.

Personal Growth and Development

Living and studying alongside international students pushes domestic students out of their comfort zones and encourages personal growth. They learn to navigate different interpersonal and communication styles, enhancing their active listening skills and adaptability. Additionally, international students often face unique challenges, such as language barriers, cultural adjustments, and homesickness. Overcoming these obstacles fosters resilience and independence, leading to a more well-rounded student body.

Attracting Top Talent and Global Recognition

Recruiting international students helps universities attract top talent from around the world. By casting a wider net, universities can bring in exceptional students who excel in various fields, enhancing the institution's reputation and global recognition. This talent pool contributes to a rich academic environment, benefiting all students and the institution as a whole.

Economic Benefits

International students also bring significant economic benefits to universities and the surrounding communities. They contribute billions of dollars to the national economy, support local businesses, and create job opportunities. This influx of talent and investment is essential for the success and sustainability of universities, especially in an increasingly competitive global education market.

In conclusion, a diverse campus offers a wealth of advantages, from cultural exchange and enhanced learning to personal growth and economic development. Embracing diversity prepares students for a globalised world, fosters understanding, and creates a vibrant and dynamic university experience.

International students' academic confidence

International students experience a range of emotions when they first start university, from excitement and happiness to tears and homesickness. The process of leaving home and moving abroad can be a challenging rollercoaster of emotions, and it is important to acknowledge and accept these feelings.

A study by Leuphana University Lüneburg in Germany found that students with international experience, particularly those who studied abroad, displayed greater resilience, independence, and confidence in their capabilities compared to students who studied locally. These students also exhibited higher self-efficacy, which is associated with their ability to successfully navigate difficult tasks and adapt to new cultures.

Additionally, data from a mid-western university in the United States revealed a correlation between international students' confidence levels in completing their academic programs and their confidence in their resources. Students with high confidence levels in their academic pursuits also demonstrated high confidence in addressing issues related to social adaptability, language barriers, academic ability, and financial needs. Conversely, students with low confidence in completing their studies tended to have lower confidence in these resource areas as well.

To enhance international students' academic confidence, it is crucial to provide adequate support and resources to address the challenges they may encounter in university life. This includes helping them navigate social adaptability, language barriers, academic demands, and financial constraints. By empowering international students to overcome these obstacles, we can contribute to their overall academic success and well-being.

International students' impact on the local economy

International students experience a range of emotions when they first start university, from excitement and happiness to tears and homesickness. This can be attributed to the process of leaving home and moving abroad, which involves a rollercoaster of emotions and can impact their mental health.

Now, onto the main topic of how international students impact the local economy:

International students have a significant positive impact on the economies of their host countries. In 2018, international students studying in the United States contributed $39 billion to the national economy and supported over 400,000 jobs, according to NAFSA. This contribution increased to $45 billion in 2018, according to the US Department of Commerce. The presence of international students also brings a range of social and cultural benefits to local communities.

In 2020, international students contributed over CA$22.3 billion per year to the Canadian economy, supporting more than 218,000 jobs. This contribution is greater than Canada's exports of auto parts, lumber, or aircraft. International students are more likely to own businesses in knowledge- or technology-based industries, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

The UK also benefits significantly from international students, who contributed nearly £26 billion in net economic value in 2018/19. International students make up a large proportion of students in the UK, especially in top London universities, and their financial contributions are vital to the local economy.

International students are not just important for the economy but also for the success of universities. They bring diverse perspectives to classrooms and help prepare local students for global careers. The presence of international students can also attract more students to universities, keeping classes full and tuition revenue high.

In Estonia, more than half of international students work during their studies, and their labour taxes contributed 16.6 million euros in the academic year 2022/23. International students in Estonia are most likely to work in fields such as ICT, engineering, business, and law.

The impact of international students goes beyond just economic contributions. They bring innovative ideas, pursue entrepreneurship, and create jobs, with many successful companies founded by former international students.

Frequently asked questions