Understanding the strengths, challenges, and opportunities within the international student life cycle

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/g9fbsx65

Keywords:

International Students, Student Support, Acculturation, Employability, Student Lifecycle.

Abstract

The rising number of international students in higher education offers many benefits but presents challenges to students, including adapting to independent living, academic and social acculturation, and financial pressures. These challenges can affect students’ mental health, academic engagement, and overall well-being. Despite universities offering various support services, their utilization remains inconsistent. This study explored the perspectives of academics, students, and international marketing representatives on international student experiences in health programs at an Australian university via a qualitative, two-phase approach, including focus groups and a co-design process to identify solutions. The study moved beyond traditional academic and counseling perspectives by incorporating international marketing representatives as transition brokers alongside students, alumni, and academics. Three key themes emerged: student support services, learning and teaching experiences, and employability. Strengths within these themes included assignment support, peer mentoring, and career development, whereas challenges involved access to psychosocial support, accommodation, and financial aid. 

Author Biographies

  • Minalli Vasandani, Griffith University, Australia

    MINALLI VASANDANI is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Health Services Management at Griffith University, Australia. Her major research interests lie in internationalization in higher education, graduate employability outcomes, and healthcare systems research, with a particular focus on oral health and preventive medicine. 

  • Sohil Khan, Griffith University, Australia
    SOHIL KHAN, PhD, MPharm (Clin Pharm) is an Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. His major research interest lies in evidence synthesis, knowledge transfer and implementation science.   
  • Anshruta Chandgothia, Griffith University, Australia

    ANSHRUTA CHANDGOTHIA, Student, Discipline of Health Services Management at Griffith University, Australia. Her major research interests lie in international student experiences, curriculum design, and healthcare system research, with a particular focus on allied health and patient flow. 

  • Andrew K Davey, Griffith University, Australia

    ANDREW K. DAVEY, PhD, Professor of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Australia. Major research interests include curriculum design, international student experiences, health professional education, biomedicine, and clinical pharmacy. 

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Published

2026-02-23

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2026: Online First: Journal of International Students

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Critical Perspectives on Immigration Policies

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How to Cite

Vasandani, M., Khan, S., Chandgothia, A., & Davey, A. K. (2026). Understanding the strengths, challenges, and opportunities within the international student life cycle. Journal of International Students, 37-58. https://doi.org/10.32674/g9fbsx65