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Mental Health Challenges of International Students: A Comparative Study of Host and Home Country Support Systems in Ilorin, Nigeria
75-84Views:19With the increasing globalization of education, more students are pursuing academic opportunities outside their home countries. While this offers exposure to diverse cultural and learning experiences, it also comes with significant mental health challenges. International students often struggle with anxiety, depression, academic stress, cultural shock, and social isolation, exacerbated by limited access to familiar support systems. This study explored the mental health challenges faced by international students in Ilorin, Nigeria, comparing the effectiveness of support systems available in both their home countries and host institutions. Adopting a mixed-method research design, the study gathered data from 50 international students and 30 university counsellors through survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis to uncover deeper insights into student experiences. This study revealed that international students face major mental health challenges such as academic stress, homesickness, anxiety, and depression. Many are unaware of available support services or avoid them due to stigma, cultural, and language barriers. Instead, they often rely on informal support like peers and religious gatherings. The findings suggest that peer-led and culturally sensitive programs could enhance existing services. Overall, a more inclusive and holistic mental health approach is needed to support the well-being and academic success of international students.