Examination of Stress Experiences of the International Students who are Educated in American Universities with Respect to some Variables

Abstract

Stress sources and stress levels of international students who study at American Universities were examined with respect to their class-standing, gender and English language fluency. Research findings show that number one stressor for female students is “Concerns about the future (graduation, employment, marriage, etc.)”. Males' number one stressor is “Academic burdens (grades, difficult classes, excessive homework, etc.)”. A significant difference between males and females was observed with respect to “Inadequate orientation programs for newcomers at the university,”. A significant difference between freshmen and seniors was observed with respect to “Inadequate orientation programs for newcomers at the university,”. According to this finding, the need for orientation for freshmen is significantly higher than seniors'. It is observed that there is a significant, medium level, and negative correlation between stress level and English language fluency. It is found out that the stress level of international students does not significantly change with respect to gender. The stress levels of freshmen were found to be higher than senior and graduate students. In light of the findings, some suggestions were made to counseling centers, international offices and English preparatory programs of the Universities.