Coping Strategies Used by Indian International Students to Overcome Transitional Challenges in the United States

Authors

  • Prashanti Chennamsetti Texas A&M University
  • Nigar Khawaja Associate Professor, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v15iNo.4.2478

Keywords:

adjustment, Asian international students, challenges, coping strategies, Indian international students

Abstract

Many Indian international students are studying in American colleges and universities. Education abroad in an unfamiliar environment can be challenging for students. Thus, the present study investigated the coping strategies employed by six Indian international students studying in the United States, using phenomenological data analysis methodology. Participants expressed invariant constituents, classified into four coping strategy themes: (1) open-mindedness, (2) goal-orientedness, (3) an independent attitude, and (4) showing gratitude. Further, emerging from the data were the ways in which these coping strategies could be acquired. Findings have implications for international student advisors working in the university sector. Universities can play a vital role in promoting such coping strategies to enhance the well-being of international students.

Author Biography

  • Nigar Khawaja, Associate Professor, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology

    Dr. Nigar G. Khawaja is a trained and registered multilingual Clinical Psychologist. Her research leadership is in the areas of clinical, transcultural and cross-cultural psychology.  Her focus is on the mental health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically (CALD) youth in Australia and overseas. Dr Khawaja’s research has focused on developing valid and appropriate psychological measures to detect these at-risk CALD youth. Further, she has used her research to develop culturally sensitive and appropriate strength-based psychological interventions for this specialized population. Her research has direct impact on the national and international health and educational policies for culturally and linguistically diverse population nationally and internationally.

     

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Additional Files

Published

2023-09-18

Issue

Section

Empirical Article

How to Cite

Coping Strategies Used by Indian International Students to Overcome Transitional Challenges in the United States. (2023). Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education, 15(4), 57–69. https://doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v15iNo.4.2478