Mental Health Issues amongst International Students in Australia: Perspectives from Professionals at the Coal-face
Date: November 2011
Summary
The paper explores findings from in-depth interviews with educational
professionals, focusing on the stresses and strains experienced by international students in
their adjustment to living and studying in Australia. The paper suggests that there is an
increasing incidence and severity of mental health problems amongst international
students, compounded by a gap that exists between the cultural beliefs and practices in
their home and host countries. The paper concludes by identifying factors critical to the mental
health of international students, along with implications for service provision