Wellbeing of International Students
Gautam, Yogesh (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024053018456
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024053018456
Tiivistelmä
The globalization of higher education has led to an increase in the number of international students seeking online degree programs. These students often face unique challenges that can impact their wellbeing, including social isolation, language barriers, and cultural adjustment difficulties.
This thesis investigated the wellbeing challenges experienced by international students enrolled in the online Wellbeing Management degree program at XAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finland. The objective was to identify areas where the program could be improved to better support the wellbeing of this student population.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from an online survey with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with key XAMK personnel. The research was grounded in Self-Determination Theory and the PERMA model, which provided frameworks for understanding and analyzing the wellbeing experiences of international students.
The study found that social connection, language barriers, work-life balance, and administrative hurdles were major challenges experienced by international students in the program. These challenges were found to impact their sense of belonging, competence, and autonomy, hindering their ability to thrive academically and personally. The research also revealed an underutilization of existing wellbeing support services, suggesting a need for improved communication and accessibility.
Based on these findings, several recommendations were proposed for XAMK to enhance the wellbeing of international students. These included the establishment of a dedicated online support office, proactive language support and skill-building initiatives, the fostering of online communities and peer support networks, and proactive mental wellbeing support. It is suggested that the implementation of these recommendations could significantly improve the overall wellbeing and academic success of international students in online program at XAMK.
This thesis investigated the wellbeing challenges experienced by international students enrolled in the online Wellbeing Management degree program at XAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finland. The objective was to identify areas where the program could be improved to better support the wellbeing of this student population.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from an online survey with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with key XAMK personnel. The research was grounded in Self-Determination Theory and the PERMA model, which provided frameworks for understanding and analyzing the wellbeing experiences of international students.
The study found that social connection, language barriers, work-life balance, and administrative hurdles were major challenges experienced by international students in the program. These challenges were found to impact their sense of belonging, competence, and autonomy, hindering their ability to thrive academically and personally. The research also revealed an underutilization of existing wellbeing support services, suggesting a need for improved communication and accessibility.
Based on these findings, several recommendations were proposed for XAMK to enhance the wellbeing of international students. These included the establishment of a dedicated online support office, proactive language support and skill-building initiatives, the fostering of online communities and peer support networks, and proactive mental wellbeing support. It is suggested that the implementation of these recommendations could significantly improve the overall wellbeing and academic success of international students in online program at XAMK.