a growing experience - Student Services - University of Melbourne

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSThe information friends can provide concerns not only factual matters about locationof services, hours of opening, and absence of fees, but also the more subjectiveaspects that are likely to intimidate the inexperienced, such as what to expect, howclients are treated and how helpful the service is. If we are looking for a means ofincreasing the proportion of international students who actually seek help when inneed of it, then the power of the friendship network would seem to be something to beharnessed.5. Styles of adaptationBased on the typology of styles of international student adaptation that has beendeveloped in this study, the conclusion has been drawn that the majority of studentsexhibit a positive and connected approach to living and studying in Melbourne. Justover 40 per cent of students, however, are coping less well. Of these, some 34 percent are unconnected and stressed in their approach and some 7 per cent exhibit adistressed and risk-taking style of adaptation. With appropriate support, thesestudents could have much more satisfying and productive experiences as universitystudents.The pattern of the unconnected and stressed student is a familiar one to those withinthe university. It is a pattern which, in an extreme form, means that studentsexperience their university life as unpleasant, even painful, and possibly achieve wellbelow their capacity. Assisting these students in particular to develop positive,adaptive coping strategies for life and study and improving their sense ofconnectedness would be very beneficial for the individuals concerned, as well as forthe university.There is a possibility that the typology of styles of adaptation is generic in nature, thusapplying to all university students, whether international or domestic. While thechallenge of adapting to university life is generally much less for domestic students,they still confront cultural changes requiring adaptation. It would be useful to seewhether domestic students exhibit the same three styles of adaptation to university lifeand life in Melbourne as do international students, and whether they also needassistance to develop positive, confident, adaptive coping strategies.6. Further investigation of specific areasThe results of the study indicate the need for deeper investigation of some specificaspects of international student experiences. Qualitative as well as quantitativemethods of research need to be involved in these investigations. On the basis of betterknowledge, appropriate strategies could be developed to improve students’ wellbeing.• Abuse constitutes a significant threat to students’ well-being. It would bevaluable to know much more about this situation – its link with discrimination,with cultural background and gender, the sources of abuse, the on-campus/offcampuslocations of abuse events, and the effects of abuse on students’ lives.• Condom use by sexually active students is not universal. In fact only 50 per centindicate that they always use condoms. A high percentage of students are thusRosenthal, Russell & Thomson, 2006 11
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSplacing themselves and their partners at risk. There are few demographic orsituational variables that help us to understand this situation. Further explorationof this issue and of strategies that would prove to be effective in increasingcondom use by international students is desirable.• Self-harm behaviour is a clear indication of lack of well-being, whether it takesthe form of people deliberately hurting themselves, doing something because itmight harm or kill them, or having suicidal thoughts. The present study hascollected some evidence about self-harm behaviour, but much more detailedinformation and deeper understanding are needed, particularly in relation tosuicidal ideation and action.• Increased alcohol consumption since arrival in Australia has been acknowledgedby just over 25 per cent of the international students in this study. There are alsosome indications of heavy, episodic or binge drinking. Investigation of this issuewould provide more detailed information and understanding.7. A follow-up studyA second study of the health and well-being of international students in two years’time is thought advisable as a means of tracking changes and improvements. Thefollow-up study could incorporate a sample of domestic students to provide a basis forcomparison.Rosenthal, Russell & Thomson, 2006 12
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