AUTHOR=Zhang Xiaoqiao , Hsu Kelly C. , Fleming Kirsten E. , Liu Cindy H. , Hahm Hyeouk Chris TITLE=Home away from home: international students' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of US higher education JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology VOLUME=14 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1104200 DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1104200 ISSN=1664-1078 ABSTRACT=Introduction

This study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students' overall experiences.

Method

We interviewed 22 international students from 11 countries and 17 universities in the US who participated in a large longitudinal study that aims to understand the physical and emotional wellbeing of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the findings suggested that students were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at interpersonal, institutional, political, and personal levels.

Results

The results showed that the pandemic exacerbated existing stressors such as the lack of social support from family, various visa regulations, competitive and limited job opportunities, discrimination and xenophobia, particularly toward students from Asia, and financial burdens. Additionally, the findings highlighted students' perceived loss of the “American dream” and the uneven return on investment due to the pandemic.

Discussion

This study reveals the importance of US higher education institutions in supporting international students during the pandemic, particularly in terms of their sense of belonging. Recommendations for institutions drawn from the findings are proposed to better support international students during times of COVID-19 and beyond.