International Migration

Challenges of International Migration: Mental health issues faced by international students

This paper is a preliminary attempt to explore the various dimensions of mental health issues faced by international students in U.K., U.S.A, Australia, etc.
Student international migration to institutions in the above mentioned countries has been prevalent for a long time. According to Education at a Glance, OECD (2011), in 2009, almost 3.7 mn tertiary students (undergraduate and postgraduate) enrolled outside their countries of citizenship. Asian students represent 52% of foreign students. Since 2000, the number of foreign tertiary students enrolled worldwide increased by 77% for an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. Families devote a large sum of their savings towards overseas education with the expectations of success. However, there might exist a gap between expectations and reality. The process of adjustment to the actual realities may, though not necessarily be initially difficult for the student. In fact the transition from a particular cultural setting to another can adversely impact the mental health of these students who may have to encounter different challenges without the familiar support networks comprising of the family and friends.
The responses to the difficulties emanating from the transition are varied. Therefore the movement across countries implies not only physical mobility to a different destination but can be looked upon as a socio-cultural process with underlying psychological dimensions. In this context, the paper attempts to undertake a detailed analysis of: * Epidemiological evidence of mental health issues faced by students and their responses * Manifestation of stress * Role of support networks
The researcher has reviewed secondary data in terms of the available literature and has attempted to generate a methodology for understanding the problems faced by international students in the Indian context. This is

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