ERIC Number: EJ1095801
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1913-9020
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
International Students' Perspectives on the Importance of Obtaining Social Support from Host National Students
Chuah, Julie S. C.; Singh, Manjet Kaur M.
International Education Studies, v9 n4 p132-140 2016
Students pursuing studies in a foreign land experience a disruption or loss of familiar support networks that function as powerful coping mechanisms in times of stress. Loss of social support has been associated with negative consequences such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. Researchers have categorized social support as emotional, practical, informational and in the form of social companionship. This study reports the findings of a study involving undergraduate international students pursuing their first degrees in four research universities in Malaysia. Using the quantitative methodology, a total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to international undergraduates with a return of 318 questionnaires. Results showed that many international students desired frequent social support from host national students in all four categories. Suggestions are made to institutions of higher learning to create a more supportive and conducive environment for intercultural contact in line with the efforts of internationalization.
Descriptors: Foreign Students, Social Capital, Social Networks, Peer Relationship, Undergraduate Students, Questionnaires, Statistical Analysis, Social Support Groups, Psychological Needs, Information Needs, Likert Scales, Expectation, Social Cognition, Student Attitudes, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A