ERIC Number: EJ972155
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Dec
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1037-2911
EISSN: N/A
Understanding the Coping Strategies of International Students: A Qualitative Approach
Khawaja, Nigar G.; Stallman, Helen M.
Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, v21 n2 p203-224 Dec 2011
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.
Descriptors: Resilience (Psychology), Foreign Students, Focus Groups, Culture Conflict, Coping, Foreign Countries, Social Isolation, Language Skills, Qualitative Research, College Students, Emotional Disturbances, Prevention, Intervention, Student Adjustment
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A