PSYCHOSOCIAL EXPECTATIONS OF PREDEPARTURE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Overseas studies are students leaving their home country for education in a foreign land for an extended period of time. Studying abroad may induce stress and anxiety among students. It may also cause excitement and elation. This study strives to provide knowledge on the emotions of the international students at their predeparture state. The present investigation found that international students, prior to arriving at their destination country, developed eight broad dimensions. International students formed elements of early intercultural learning by providing cultural and geographical information of their country of destination. Linguistic proficiency and its challenges were also expressed by the respondents. There were also data of imminent parental separation before leaving their home country, foreign education expectations, psychosocial adjustment and social-peer support assumptions. Predeparture international students also provided information in regard as to how they will be view upon by the foreign society. Knowledge in this study will aid educators and institutions in their cultural orientations and education approach towards this international community.