International medical students and their quality of life whilst studying in New Zealand

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The increased globalisation of education has created opportunities for universities in Australasia. It has been noted that international students are affected by issues of safety, security, and quality of life. SUMMARY OF WORK: 549 medical students early in their clinical training responded to the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (BREF version). The target variable was enrolment status (international; domestic). Other variables included: time of investigation (2009; 2011), gender, year of enrolment, age and ethnicity. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Ratings for the social relationships and environment quality of life domains were lower for international students. Facet scores in both domains indicated that international students underrate their levels of quality of life (in 9 of the 11 facets). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the International medical students are likely experiencing problems related to developing social relationships and coping with the environment, indicating a need for more sensitive and competent modes of intercultural communication and improving service delivery. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Focus needs to be applied to the two concerning areas of quality of life identified in this study: social relationships and environment. Given the fiscal and educational advantages associated with enrolling international students, it is imperative that Universities apply pastoral measures to improve their quality of life experiences.