Mental Health Risks for Chinese International Students in Australia: Enduring Problems, Possible Solutions

ABSTRACT

This paper explores existing evidence on indicators of risk to the mental health status of Chinese students studying in Australian universities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies published from January 1999 to January 2020 were considered. Findings indicated that Chinese students routinely report increased levels of fear, stress, anxiety, depression and social problems, as well as decreased levels of general well-being, while studying in Australia. Numerous factors may exacerbate the issues confronted by Chinese university students studying in Australia, including language barriers;social, academic and financial difficulties;challenges associated with the different education systems of the two countries;and their own underuse of available mental health services. Recommendations for further practice and research are presented based on these findings.