Exploring homesickness among international students in China during border closure

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Education

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led many countries, including China, to implement border closures to control infection rates.
• International students faced unique challenges due to these travel restrictions, with limited research on their psychological impact.
• Homesickness, a significant distress impacting affective states and daily routines, has been underexplored in the context of COVID-19 and education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and impact of homesickness among international students in China resulting from COVID-19 border closures.
• To explore the coping mechanisms developed by these students to manage homesickness.
• To provide recommendations for higher education institutions to support international students.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted.
• Interviews were held with 20 international students from five universities in China.
• The study explored students' experiences with COVID-19-induced border closures and their resulting homesickness and coping strategies.

Main Results:

• Thirteen themes emerged, indicating that students experienced somatic and psychological symptoms of homesickness.
• Social and academic lives of the international students were negatively affected by the border closures.
• Students utilized frequent communication, entertainment, and physical activities as coping strategies.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 border closures exacerbated homesickness among international students in China, affecting their overall well-being.
• Effective coping strategies included social connection, engaging in leisure, and physical activities.
• Higher education leaders should implement acculturation programs to mitigate homesickness and support international students' adjustment.