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Unravelling Factors Shaping International Students’ Learning and Mental Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review

Author

Listed:
  • Huaqiong Zhou

    (Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Fatch Kalembo

    (Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Ambili Nair

    (Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Eric Lim

    (Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Xiang-Yu Hou

    (Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2880, Australia)

  • Linda Ng

    (School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich 4350, Australia)

Abstract

The international tertiary education sector was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the risk of negative learning and psychosocial experiences. Most international students who remained in the host countries demonstrated admirable resilience and adaptability during those challenging times. An integrative review of factors shaping international students’ learning and mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Five electronic databases—CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Web of Science—were searched from 2020 to 2023 using the key search terms ‘international students’, ‘tertiary education’, ‘mental health and wellbeing’, and ‘COVID’. A total of 38 studies were included in this review. They revealed six factors across learning and psychosocial experiences. Predisposing factors for maladjustments included the students being younger and possessing poor English proficiency. Precipitating factors were related to online teaching/learning, and lack of accessibility and or insufficient learning and living resources. Perpetuating factors pertained to living arrangements. The protective factor identified was institutional support. This review highlighted that multifaceted factors were associated with international students’ experiences and mental health and wellbeing. In-depth understanding of risk and protective factors can help policymakers to prepare for unprecedented challenges and reduce disruptions to international students’ education and mental health when studying abroad.

Suggested Citation

  • Huaqiong Zhou & Fatch Kalembo & Ambili Nair & Eric Lim & Xiang-Yu Hou & Linda Ng, 2024. "Unravelling Factors Shaping International Students’ Learning and Mental Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(1), pages 1-27, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2024:i:1:p:37-:d:1556932
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    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. Lanxi Huang & Margaret L. Kern & Lindsay G. Oades, 2020. "Strengthening University Student Wellbeing: Language and Perceptions of Chinese International Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Anita Jagroop-Dearing & Griffin Leonard & Syed M. Shahid & Ondene van Dulm, 2022. "COVID-19 Lockdown in New Zealand: Perceived Stress and Wellbeing among International Health Students Who Were Essential Frontline Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-17, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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