Enhancing the Mental Health of International Master's Students in Novia UAS Using Service Design

Abstract

This study explored the challenges faced by international master’s students at Novia University of Applied Sciences (Novia UAS), with a particular focus on mental health, social integration, and academic adjustment. As international students represent a growing portion of university populations worldwide, their well-being and academic success are critical areas of concern for higher education institutions. This research specifically sought to understand the issues that international master’s students at Novia UAS encounter, using a combination of the Double Diamond design framework and design thinking approaches to develop student-centred solutions that address these challenges. The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach, primarily through semi-structured interviews. A total of seven participants, including five international master’s students, a student psychologist, and the Head of the Degree of Service Design, were interviewed to gather in-depth insights into their experiences. The interviews revealed significant challenges that were then categorized into eight major areas: cultural and social adjustment, academic challenges, mental health issues, job unavailability, loneliness, accommodation difficulties, and acclimatization to Finland’s winter. These categories formed the foundation for the research’s Discover and Define phases, where the problems were thoroughly explored and defined. One of the most pressing issues identified was the difficulty students faced in adapting to Finnish culture, particularly in terms of communication and social integration. Language barriers and cultural differences created a sense of isolation, which compounded the students’ feelings of loneliness and hindered their academic performance. Additionally, many students struggled with the transition to the Finnish educational system, which often differs significantly from the academic environments in their home countries. Technical challenges with the learning platforms further added to this stress, leading to increased anxiety and frustration. Mental health emerged as a major concern, with students reporting high levels of stress and anxiety. The study also highlighted the financial pressures faced by international students, particularly in terms of job unavailability. The inability to find part-time work not only caused financial strain but also worsened students’ anxiety and affected their overall well-being. This was compounded by accommodation challenges and difficulties in adjusting to Finland’s harsh winter conditions, which some students found emotionally taxing. Benchmarking the services at Novia UAS against those provided by other universities, such as the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and Sheffield Hallam University, revealed that Novia lags in critical areas. While other institutions offer structured career services, culturally sensitive mental health programmes, and proactive wellness initiatives, Novia UAS lacks these essential services. This gap underscored the need for significant improvements in the support offered to international students, particularly around mental health, employability, and social integration. Based on the findings, the study proposed several recommendations for Novia UAS to improve the experience of its international master’s students. These include expanding mental health services to include culturally sensitive counsellors and integrating mental health and career services to provide holistic support. Additionally, the study recommended peer mentorship programmes, and inclusive social activities that promote interaction between local and international students. Career services should also be enhanced by offering personalized counselling, job preparation workshops, and networking opportunities with Finnish companies.