Poster #40 - What Counselors Need to Know About International Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: 15.062 - MTCC Poster Session One
  In Poster Session: 15.062-3 - Division E: Counseling Poster Session

Abstract

Understanding challenges of international students in the U.S. is essential in an increasingly divided society. Forty-five international students attending a Midwestern community college were surveyed and interviewed to assess the relationship among self-confidence/self-efficacy, cultural background, gender, and social support networks. Western students reported more positive cultural adjustment than non-western students, F (1, 43) = 3.98, p = .05. Males adjusted better than females, F (1, 43) = 9.92, p = .01. A significant positive correlation (r = .51) was found between cultural adjustment and experience of culture shock symptoms. English usage in students’ home countries accounted for a stronger social support network, F (1, 43) = 9.0, p < .004. Qualitative findings provide insights for adequately supporting international students.

Author

• Stefanie Theresia Baier, Wayne State University