Introduction Practices 4

Psychosocial Adjustment of International Students

International students are viewed as an important population in United States’ (U.S.) colleges and universities (El-Khawas, 2003). They bring intellectual, cultural, as well as economic benefits to the U.S. International students spend nearly 12 billion dollars annually on tuition, fees, living expenses, and other related costs (Institute of International Education, 2003). In Fall 2002, a record 586,000 international students (4.6 % of total enrollment in higher education) attended U.S. institutions. Although the U.S. remains the number one destination for international students, data from the Institute of International Education suggests the number of new international students drastically decreased since 2002. Several factors have attributed to this decline, including economic instability in many countries, safety concerns of international students and their families, problems with obtaining student visas, and an increased competition for foreign students from other countries (Institute of International Education). - Move 1

In order for the U.S. to retain its attractiveness as a host country and to better accommodate the significant number of international students studying in the U.S., it is crucial to identify and understand the factors that affect the satisfaction and retention of these students. In particular, college administrators need to be more aware of the factors that affect the quality of international students’ psychosocial adjustment to university life in the U.S. Such awareness will help institutions identify the adjustment needs of international students; will reduce the frustration, disappointment, and challenge for 3 student affairs administrators when dealing with the transitional problems of international students; and will also provide professionals with guidelines for creating culturally appropriate services and programs. - Move 2

This paper focuses on the concept of international students’ psychosocial adjustment, the factors determining that adjustment, and the implications for the work of student affairs professionals. - Move 3