Loneliness a problem for international students

Youth Studies Australia, March 1, 2008 by Kate Gross

A new Australian study recommends that universities provide ways for international students to bond 'more effectively' with domestic students in order to address problems of loneliness and isolation among those who come to Australia to study. Researchers from Monash University and the University of Melbourne interviewed 200 international students studying at nine universities across Australia, finding that 67% of females and 62% of males experienced 'periods of loneliness and isolation' and that 'barriers in making friends across cultures' contributed significantly to their loneliness.

Students from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China reported the highest rates of loneliness. The study recommends that universities ensure that they provide international students with adequate resources, such as counselling services, English classes, social clubs and buddy systems, to help facilitate relationships between international and domestic students (Australian, 5/02/08, p.3).