Exploring international student challenges and self-adjustment strategies in Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by international undergraduate students at international colleges in Thailand and to examine the self-adjustment strategies they employ. The study contributes to international student research by providing a context-specific understanding of adjustment processes within a non-Western Southeast Asian setting, highlighting culturally embedded factors and emerging coping mechanisms. A qualitative research design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with 29 students from 16 nationalities. Data were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis to identify key patterns in student experiences. The findings revealed three core themes: academic and administrative challenges, cultural and social adaptation, and self-adjustment and coping strategies. Major challenges include visa delays, language barriers, unfamiliar teaching styles, and social isolation. At the same time, students demonstrated active resilience through peer networks, digital tools, and proactive engagement with the host culture. The study proposes a contextually grounded understanding of international student adjustment, emphasizing the interaction between institutional structures, cultural norms, and individual agency. The findings suggest that universities should enhance pre-arrival support, language programs, and culturally responsive services to improve student well-being and academic success, while future research should explore longitudinal adjustment across multiple institutions.