University Belonging, Academic Success, and Psychological Well-Being Among International Students in Germany

• In Event: The Role of Sense of Belonging and Mattering in College

Abstract

University belonging is a crucial factor for students’ academic success and psychological well-being, but little is known about its importance with regard to the adaptation of international students in Germany. Therefore we analyzed data from N = 3,837 international students with a set of cross-lagged panel models. The results showed that a high sense of belonging is an advantage for international students in Germany as it is related to more favorable study outcomes and better well-being. Furthermore, academic success and psychological well-being during the first months of the degree programs affected the development of belonging across the study entrance period. We discuss theoretical implications and the implementation of interventions that promote university belonging of international students in Germany.

Authors

• Hüseyin Hilmi Yildirim, Fernuniversität in Hagen

• Julia Zimmermann

• Kathrin Jonkmann, Fernuniversität in Hagen