Beyond 'OK' : capturing the student wellbeing of Korean international students : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Educational Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2015
DOI
Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
Research on international students in New Zealand has found that they face multiple
stressors during their sojourn. Currently there is a lack of research on the student wellbeing of
very young international students, particularly research that includes their direct voices. This
study explored what wellbeing meant to two Korean international students enrolled in a New
Zealand primary school. The photovoice method of data collection was used, where the
students took photographs of things in their school environment they felt made an important
impact on their wellbeing. The students discussed the importance of these photographs during
follow up interviews and a focus group. The themes that emerged were compared to the student
wellbeing framework developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education (Education Review
Office, 2013b). This study found that wellbeing for the two participants meant being able to
form new relationships in New Zealand while maintaining relationships with family in Korea,
communicating effectively in English, having the necessary resources and materials to function
well in their class, experiencing nature in their physical space, being physically well, having
fun, and retaining access to aspects of their own culture. Practical ways that schools and home
stay families can support the wellbeing of international students include providing stimulating
learning environments, access to adequate language support, peer-pairing programs to
encourage the formation of social networks with host-nationals and providing access cultural
foods.
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Keywords
Koreans, Education (Elementary), Students, Foreign, New Zealand, Psychology