International students' perspectives on factors impacting psychological well‐being and early help‐seeking behaviours in undergraduate nursing programs

Abstract

Abstract Background Studying in a foreign country can be accompanied by challenges, including difficulty understanding the curriculum, culture shock, and a new language. These additional challenges place international students at risk and predispose them to developing mental health problems compared to domestic student. Aims This study explores psychological well‐being and help‐seeking behaviours of international nursing students who commenced their program onshore or in a remote learning capacity. Materials & Methods This paper reports the findings of the mixed‐methods study. Research was conducted among international students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing programs across multiple campuses at two Victorian universities in 2022. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire with open‐response questions and incorporated a validated Student Stress Survey. Results Findings indicated that international students require support financially and to settle in Australia upon arrival. Discussion & Conclusion Participants highlighted that they require additional support to keep up with academic workloads and require further academic support tailored for international students. There was no patient or public contribution in the design, conduct, analysis or preparation of this manuscript.

Keywords

• Australia
• help seeking behaviours
• international student experience
• international student wellbeing
• mixed‐methods