Greater Involvement in Academic and Social Gatherings Can Ease International Students’ Homesickness

Colleges and universities have paid special attention to the needs of international students transitioning to life in the United States.  Less attention has been given to the potential gender and ethnicity differences in needs.  Yangyi Kwon recently reported a study on factors that influence international students’ transition to college.  The study was based on data collected from 165 international students at an urban university in the United States. 

Kwon found that Asian international students were more likely to perceive their English proficiency to be relatively low compared to other ethnic groups.  This finding suggests that Asian international students may be more insecure when interacting with American students and may be deterred from interacting in class.  No ethnic group differences were found in feelings of homesickness, isolation, or loneliness.  However, a gender difference did emerge with female students being more likely to report feelings of homesickness.  Male students were more likely to attend social gatherings and information sessions offered by Offices for International Students.  Seeking out and participating in more social gatherings with other international students might help ease female international students level of homesickness.  Female international students may feel more comfortable at their university if they have the opportunity to relate to others in the same situation and facing the same cultural challenges.  

If you are looking for International Student Support on Penn State’s campus, check out this webpage to find various activities and resources available to you.  
http://www.global.psu.edu/international_students/

You can also visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website to get tips on dealing with homesickness or to schedule an appointment if you would like to speak with a counselor. 
http://www.sa.psu.edu/caps/