The Impact of Finnish Government policy change on international students' mental health.

Abstract

The increased enrolment rates of international students in Finland over the past decade underscore the growing importance of addressing the well-being of this population (Mathies, & Karhunen, 2021). The internationalization of Finnish higher education encompasses policy formulation and implementation. With the introduction of policies such as fee paying for non-EU/EEA students, there is a need to understand how these changes may exacerbate existing challenges faced by international students, including those related to mental health (Kauko & Medvedeva, 2016). As Finland experiences a surge in international student enrolment, examining the specific mental health implications of these policy changes within the Finnish context becomes imperative. This paper aims to use a systematic review approach to existing literature to investigate the impact of policy changes implemented by the Finnish government on international students' mental health.

The study found that Finnish government policy changes, particularly the introduction of tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students and stricter immigration and residency requirements, have harmed the mental health of international students. These changes led to increased financial stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about job prospects and residency, which contributed to worsening mental health. Additionally, academic pressures and social isolation due to cultural and language barriers further exacerbated these mental health challenges. The study also highlighted limited access to mental health services due to language barriers and cultural stigma. While some students used adaptive coping strategies like seeking social support, others employed maladaptive strategies, such as withdrawal, which worsened their mental health. The study recommends improved mental health services and better integration programs for international students in Finland.