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Changes in Psychological Challenges, Positive Experiences, and Coping Strategies among International Students in the United States before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Chulwoo Park

    (Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA)

  • Shannon Shimada

    (Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA)

  • Airi Irene Trisnadi

    (Department of Psychology, San José State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Patricia Angelica

    (Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand how the challenges and coping strategies among international students in the United States changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a qualitative study through one-on-one in-depth interviews during April–June 2021. A total of 34 international students in the San Francisco Bay Area participated in this study. NVivo was used to analyze the qualitative data. Before COVID-19, the challenges were primarily related to a sense of belonging, such as culture shock, language barriers, and loss of identity. However, some positive experiences from school life and new culture were also found before COVID-19. During the pandemic, students faced difficulties with online learning and lockdown protocols that they had never experienced before. The ongoing challenges before and during COVID-19 were identity crisis, racism and discrimination, and financial struggles. Common coping strategies for overcoming these difficulties included engaging in physical activity, social exposure, self-improvement, and mental self-care. The frequency of online engagement and motivation for self-improvement were particularly highlighted during COVID-19. However, international students expressed a preference for improved support systems, including financial aid, paid research opportunities, and more accessible campus resources. Future research could focus on the strategies to support the psychological well-being of international students in coping with unexpected situations, such as disease outbreaks.

Suggested Citation

  • Chulwoo Park & Shannon Shimada & Airi Irene Trisnadi & Patricia Angelica, 2024. "Changes in Psychological Challenges, Positive Experiences, and Coping Strategies among International Students in the United States before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-33, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:9:p:1232-:d:1480504
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chirikov, Igor & Soria, Krista M, 2020. "International Students’ Experiences and Concerns During the Pandemic," University of California at Berkeley, Center for Studies in Higher Education qt43q5g2c9, Center for Studies in Higher Education, UC Berkeley.
    2. Bailey Wagaman & Emalee Kerr & Reilly Branch & Steven L. Berman, 2022. "Identity Distress among Immigrant Students during COVID-19," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-11, February.
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