The Experience of International Undergraduate Students and Impact on Coping-Skills, Help-Seeking Behavior, and Resiliency

Abstract

Achieving an undergraduate degree is a crucial milestone in one's life. For many years, research in psychology aimed to analyze factors that might impact individuals' educational journey and outcomes from factors such as cultural, socioeconomic status, and other social and behavioral factors. In other words, many studies aimed to find a correlation between students' success with factors such as adjustment, help-seeking behavior, or coping skills. In the past decades, the United States has seen many international students. Yet, few studies assessed students' coping skills, help-seeking behavior, and resiliency. This study examined "how can we provide more culturally appropriate mental health services for the international student population?" Analyzing the struggles and their impact on coping skills, help-seeking behavior, and resiliency, specifically on the international undergraduate student population, this study used the qualitative methodology using 12 open-ended questions to collect the data. This study found international students faced significant challenges related to adjusting, academic challenges, emotional challenges, and COVID-19 global pandemic related challenges, which impacted their coping skills, help-seeking behavior, and resiliency. Despite these challenges, it is important to note they demonstrated considerable strengths, such as social support and adaptive coping strategies, as evident by the insights provided by all of the participants. Findings in this study emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive on-campus mental health support. Future research should explore diverse therapeutic approaches and longitudinal studies to better understand the evolving needs and strength factors of international students, contributing to more effective support systems.