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JOURNAL OF YOUTH RESEARCHES
University-Based Social Work Intervention with International Students: Using a Multicultural Approach
Introduction
International Students and Their Problems: A General View
In recent years, strong interest is observed in the movement of international students and
there exists a competition among countries to attract them because student movements
contribute to the state’s economy and reinforce cultural diversity. Young people receive
benefits from immigration to other countries with the aim of education; however, they are
facing problems and negative experiences which may affect their psychological, social
and academic status. Cultural and linguistic problems are considered as the most impor-
tant problems faced by international students in the first year in the host country. Stress
generated by living in a new environment with a lack of social support affects the adjust-
ment process of students and their being in harmony and harmony with the new society
and this results in attendance problems.
Although the cultural and linguistic problems are the most important problems facing
students in the first stage, social studies and researches suggested that they are not
the only problems facing the international students in the host country or in the new
society. The problems experienced by students differ from one student to another, and
vary depending on the social and cultural environment which they came from. This can
be observed through several studies conducted in many countries about the problems of
international students.
In a study conducted by Snoubar (2015) which aims to determine the social service ne-
eds, educational and academic requirements, problems in cultural, linguistic, psycho-
logical, economic, and personal development of international students in addition to the
problems in their free time activities and housing, problems that they face during their
higher education in Turkey. This demonstrate the type of problem experienced by stu-
dents is often associated with cultural and social aspect as well as political and economic
conditions of the country of origin.
Several studies about international students show that students coming from some spe-
cific regions are open to face different problems than the others. For example, the inter-
national students from the Middle East and receiving higher education in America: expe-
rience the problems of racial discrimination and are accused with terrorism on the basis
of their religion and national origin (Sutton, 2002 Hanassab, 2006, pp. 157-172; Poyrazli
& Grahame, 2007, pp. 263-280).
Considering the current situation of the world, it can be observed found that there are
many regions experiencing wars and conflicts the international students are young pe-
ople who have been affected directly or indirectly from these conditions. This situation
creates other challenges for international students and affects the cultural adjustment
and academic success of them requires a psychosocial intervention.
