Supporting international students in high school settings: Case study insights and directions for future research

Hyde, C.L. (Chelsea)
University of Melbourne, Level 6, 100 Leicester St, 3053, CARLTON, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

 

Submission type

Oral only

Scheduled

Room 119, 10-07-2019, 09:00 - 10:30

Keywords

International students, adjustment, mental health, wellbeing, cross-cultural issues

Summary

Internationalisation of schooling over recent years has seen increasing numbers of Chinese international students studying in Australian schools. The cross-cultural adjustment that accompanies this transition often includes periods of culture shock and social isolation that impacts significantly on student mental health and wellbeing. There is currently limited research both in Australia and internationally focusing on the unique needs of this population.

This paper presents therapeutic insights from in-depth case studies conducted with Chinese international high school students accessing school-based counselling over an 18-month period. These students presented with different mental health concerns yet common themes emerged in counselling in relation to their experiences and challenges of studying abroad. These include difficulties with loneliness and social isolation, managing independence, sleep problems and stigma associated with accessing psychological support.

The case studies provide key learnings for psychological practice. Implications for school psychologists working therapeutically with international students are discussed with a focus on how schools can provide targeted support to promote functional coping, positive adjustment and transition. Opportunities for future research that focus on the needs of this population are presented.

Auteurs