Navigating New Shores: The Mental Health of Chinese International Students in Australia

Abstract

Studying abroad offers international students a remarkable chance to step beyond their familiar boundaries, broaden their cultural understanding, and embrace new possibilities. However, relocating to a foreign country and navigating a different language can also pose a range of challenges, particularly for students whose cultural backgrounds significantly differ from those of the host country. These challenges can pose significant risks to the mental health of international students. Dr Jian Zhao will present the results from studies investigating the threats to the mental health of Chinese international students studying in Australia. She will discuss the implications of the findings and why ongoing support services and evaluating the effectiveness of these support services are significant and necessary.

Presenter

Dr Jian Zhao is an Early Career Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact, University of Western Australia. With a background in mental health measurement in an educational context and expertise in mixed-methods research, she has been working on various research projects, covering topics such as the mental health of Chinese international students in Australia, self-harm and suicidal behaviours of young people in Western Australia (WA), Young carers in WA and homelessness in WA. She has developed and published a range of tests, including those that assess coping strategies and mental health changes, which have been utilised by other researchers in the field.

Date: Tuesday 6 February 2024

Time: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm (AWST)

Online only

Free event