Exploring mental health experiences and supports among international engineering undergraduate students – insights to inform university support

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-18-2024

Abstract

This study explores the mental health perceptions, expectations for mental healthcare, and use of existing mental health services among international engineering students at a Western Canadian university. Employing a phenomenological qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 international undergraduate engineering students to understand their mental health challenges and service usage. The thematic analysis revealed three significant themes: students’ understanding of mental health; their experiences within the engineering programme, and recommendations to enhance and facilitate a positive mental health experience at the university. Findings suggest that mental healthcare for international engineering students should be responsive to the students’ unique needs, providing support and accessible services during their transition from their home countries and recognising the impact of the environmental and cultural factors on their experiences as members of the Faculty of Engineering and the broader university community.

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https://www.tandfonline.com/share/RZPZUBE5QIPKF6JFNSSP?target=10.1080/03043797.2024.2417345

Publication Title

European Journal of Engineering Education

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2024.2417345

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