International students’ loneliness and social engagement

Narratives from the United States and Japan

Authors

  • Polina Ivanova University of Bremen, Germany
  • Yi Sun Zhejiang Normal University, China
  • Wendan Li Independent Researcher, USA
  • Krishna Bista Morgan State University, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/y6hw0n78

Keywords:

international students, loneliness, social engagement, the United States, Japan

Abstract

Despite the increasing global mobility in higher education, international students in the United States and Japan face persistent challenges in the areas of wellbeing and inclusion. This study investigates international students' experiences of loneliness and their social engagement in comparative perspective, focusing on friendships and involvement with volunteer organizations as the most prominent types of social involvement among the participants. Utilizing qualitative data from 15 in-depth interviews conducted during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, this research identifies the limited friendships with domestic students and the underutilized potential of volunteer organizations as key issues. The findings highlight the need for better coordination with external stakeholders to enhance support systems. The study concludes that universities alone cannot address these challenges and recommends fostering collaborations with community organizations to improve international students' social integration and wellbeing.

 

Author Biographies

  • Polina Ivanova, University of Bremen, Germany

    POLINA IVANOVA, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bremen in Germany. Her research interests include migrant integration, civil society, and internationalization of higher education. 

  • Yi Sun, Zhejiang Normal University, China

    YI SUN, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University in China. Her major research interests lie in China-Africa educational exchange and international and comparative education

  • Wendan Li, Independent Researcher, USA

    WENDAN LI received her PhD from the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA. Her research expertise includes international and intercultural education, and doctoral student socialization. 

  • Krishna Bista, Morgan State University, USA

    KRISHNA BISTA, EdD, is a Professor of Higher Education at the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy at Morgan State University, USA. Areas of research interest include AI in education, technology in higher education, mobility studies, and research methods. 

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Published

2025-03-01

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Vol. 15 No. 4 (2025): Journal of International Students

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How to Cite

Ivanova, P., Sun, Y., Li, W., & Bista, K. (2025). International students’ loneliness and social engagement: Narratives from the United States and Japan. Journal of International Students, 15(4), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.32674/y6hw0n78