The Effect of Social Isolation on the Mental Health of International Students

Authors

M. K. Alshammari, School of Educational Studies, University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, MalaysiaFollow
M. H. Othman, School of Educational Studies, University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, MalaysiaFollow
Y. O. Mydin, School of Educational Studies, University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, MalaysiaFollow
B. A. Mohammed, College of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Ha’il, 81481 Ha’il, Saudi ArabiaFollow

Abstract

This paper looks into how social isolation affects international college students mental health. An increase in international students studying at colleges and universities abroad can be attributed to increased global mobility over the previous few decades. Because of this, these students struggle in certain ways to fit into their new academic and social surroundings. Among these difficulties, social isolation among overseas students has been recognized as a major issue. This essay will investigate how social isolation affects the mental health of international college students by drawing on existing studies. The various types of social isolation will be covered in the essay along with how they may affect mental health. It will also be looked at whether factors like linguistic difficulties, cultural shock, prejudice, and discrimination contribute to social isolation among overseas students. In light of the hazards to mental health posed by social isolation among international students, this presentation will offer some potential solutions. The findings of the inquiry will be utilized to create solutions that can assist overseas students in reducing the detrimental impacts of social isolation on their mental health. Compared to other groups, college students’ mental health has not been adequately researched, even though social isolation can be an emotionally and mentally damaging experience. The paper will focus on the various mental health impacts that international college students experience such as depression, anxiety, and long-term psychological harm. An analysis of existing literature on the topic, interviews with international college students, and the mental health resources available to this population are also discussed. The main findings of the research show that international college students living in a foreign country experience significant levels of social isolation due to language barriers and cultural differences.

Recommended Citation

K. Alshammari, M.; H. Othman, M.; O. Mydin, Y.; and A. Mohammed, B. (2023) "The Effect of Social Isolation on the Mental Health of International Students," Information Sciences Letters: Vol. 12 : Iss. 4 , PP -.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/isl/vol12/iss4/38