A comprehensive research study examining the academic, social, and lifestyle factors affecting mental health of international students at SP Jain School of Global Management
This comprehensive study investigates the mental health challenges faced by international students in Sydney, Australia. Through primary and secondary research methodologies, we examine the complex interplay between academic pressure, socio-cultural adjustment, and physiological disruptions that impact student well-being.
Survey Participants
In-depth Interviews
Research Pillars
Team Members
How do academic, social, and lifestyle-related factors influence the mental health and psychological well-being of international students in Sydney?
48% of students feel overwhelmed by coursework. Heavy workloads, frequent assessments, and difficulty accessing support services create significant mental health challenges.
43% struggle with social connections. Adapting to Australian lifestyle, making friends, and feeling culturally integrated poses significant challenges.
43% experience disrupted sleep patterns. Time zone differences, daylight saving changes, and work-study commitments severely impact rest.
Our study employed multiple research methods to gain comprehensive insights into international student mental health:
| Method | Participants | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Online Survey | 68 current and prospective international students | Collect quantitative data on factors affecting mental health and prospective student concerns |
| Interviews | 3 students + 1 Clinical Psychologist + 1 Tellus mentor | Gain qualitative insights into lived experiences and professional perspectives |
| Online Forum Analysis | Quora thread participants | Get wider outlook on mental health challenges from online communities |
| Case Studies | Comparative study of students from different backgrounds | Compare mental health factors based on diverse student backgrounds |
Understanding international student mental health through a triad of stressors that must maintain equilibrium:
88% of international students experience anxiety due to family expectations, financial implications, and need to succeed (UK Council for International Student Affairs, 2022)
WHO identifies social isolation as one of the most severe risk factors for anxiety and depression among international students
Circadian rhythm disruptions from jet lag and poor sleep aggravate mental disorders and lead to cognitive deficits (Zeitzer et al., 2021)
48% of students feel overwhelmed by coursework and assignments
This represents a severe mental health issue requiring institution-level assistance and workload management interventions.
46% report that managing academic work and part-time employment negatively affects mental health
Financial constraints force many international students into dual obligations, causing stress, anxiety, and burnout.
46% find it difficult to access academic support services
47% find it difficult to access mental health support services
Critical gaps in support infrastructure due to inadequate awareness, accessibility issues, long waiting times, and insufficient information.
43% have difficulty making new friends and feeling socially connected
Social isolation is a major problem during initial years of studying abroad, potentially leading to loneliness, depression, and loss of academic motivation.
43% do NOT feel comfortable seeking mental health support in Australia
Cultural, language, and institutional barriers deter help-seeking behavior, with students fearing stigma or not trusting the system.
42% disagree that mental health services are culturally sensitive and helpful
Significant service delivery gap indicates need for culturally competent care and interpreter services.
43% report time zone differences make it difficult to stay in touch with family and friends
Physical and temporal distance causes emotional distress, homesickness, and isolation.
43% experience sleep pattern disruption from changes like Daylight Saving Time
Seasonal clock alterations violate circadian rhythms, especially problematic for students already adjusting to new time zones.
43% report sleep disruption negatively affects mood and ability to focus
Sleep quality and mental health are interconnected - poor sleep exacerbates stress and mental health problems in a vicious cycle.
Through thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses, we identified four main coping themes:
Most prevalent strategy involving meditation, exercise, yoga, sports, healthy sleep, journaling, and structured routines.
"I manage stress through proper sleep hygiene, diet, and limiting work hours during exam season."
University counselling, mental health professionals, therapy sessions, and academic advisors.
"Professional counselling combined with peer support has been invaluable to my mental health."
Building support systems, university clubs, and connecting with other international students.
"Connecting with other international students who understand my challenges has been very helpful."
Regular communication with family and maintaining cultural practices for emotional stability.
"Family support through video calls and maintaining my cultural practices help me feel grounded."
Remember: The struggle is not failure. All interviewed students faced difficulties. The difference between struggling and thriving was seeking help early and building strong support systems.
43% of successful students rely on exercise. You don't need a gym membership - running, walking, yoga, sports, and dancing all work effectively.
Exercise enhances sleep quality, decreases anxiety, elevates mood, and provides a sense of control.
Don't assume stress is normal and temporary. Students who delayed counselling suffered for 6+ months, while those who sought help early recovered in weeks.
Contact university counselling services in your first month, not when crisis hits.
Sleep deprivation harms your brain, concentration, and grades. Arrange set times for family calls instead of disrupting sleep.
A well-rested student with slightly lower grades outperforms an exhausted student with perfect grades.
Never wait for friendships to develop naturally. Join university clubs, attend orientation programs, join cultural associations.
Students who actively created communities were most well-supported.
You cannot excel at everything simultaneously. Determine what matters most (usually academics and basic wellbeing) and be honest about limitations.
Boundaries are not selfish - they're necessary for survival.
Universities offer free/subsidized counselling, peer mentoring, wellness training, and support groups. These are part of your student fees.
If services lack cultural sensitivity, provide feedback and request accommodations.
Keeping cultural practices and connections is essential for mental stability. Join cultural groups, observe holidays, cook familiar meals, speak your native language.
Students who retained cultural anchors reported feeling more stable.
Professors and advisors want to help. Inform them early if struggling with adjustment, overwhelming coursework, or personal matters.
Most will grant extensions, alternative assignments, or tutoring services.
Identify what makes you feel better and worse. When struggling, reach out for things that help - exercise, hobbies, friends, professional support.
If something isn't working, switch approaches. No one is judging you.
Instant, confidential help anytime, anywhere through virtual counseling, wellbeing guides, and self-help libraries.
Led by Dr. Beejal Oza, PhD, Global Director of Counseling and Coaching
Contact: bijal.oza@spjain.org
Group C, Division A - SP Jain School of Global Management
Submitted to: Prof. Stephen Parker
A-C BS23MUM072
A-C BS23MUM004
A-C BS23MUM002
A-C BS23MUM086
A-C BS23MUM108
A-C BS23SGP242
A-C BS23MUM054
A-C BS23SGP111
A-C BS23SGP230
A-C BS23MUM034
We extend our gratitude to all participants who shared their experiences, the mental health professionals who provided expert insights, and SP Jain School of Global Management for supporting this research.
Special thanks to:
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Comprehensive primary research including survey findings, interviews with students and professionals, case studies, online forum analysis, and actionable recommendations.
Contents: Survey data from 68 students, clinical psychologist interview, Tellus mentor interview, comparative case studies, Quora insights, and detailed recommendations.
Extensive literature review and theoretical framework covering academic pressure, socio-cultural integration, physiological disruption, and supporting pillars of student mental health.
Contents: Game theory analysis, statistical landscape, documented impacts, SP Jain support services, and future research scope.
Feel overwhelmed by coursework
Difficulty accessing mental health support
Struggle with social connections
Experience sleep disruptions
Primary Research: Baua, P., Khowala, A., Budhia, A., Agarwal, S., Kapoor, V., Malhotra, V., Goel, K., Hora, A., Singavarapu, S., & Kabra, D. (2024). HRM Primary Report: Mental Health of International Students in Sydney. SP Jain School of Global Management.
Secondary Research: Agarwal, S., Baua, P., Budhia, A., Goel, K., Hora, A., Kapoor, V., Khowala, A., Malhotra, V., Singavarapu, S., & Kabra, D. (2024). HRM Group Project Secondary Research: Mental Health and Well-being. SP Jain School of Global Management.