Timeline
TJU’s 1,500+ international students from 100 countries face challenges in cultural, academic, and community integration, affecting their performance and well-being. Existing support services are fragmented and lack cultural sensitivity, leaving many students feeling unsupported and at higher risk of depression and anxiety than local peers.
Problem
Goals
Solution
Impact Expectation
20%
Reduction in feelings of isolation among international students by 20%
10%
Raise in overall well-being satisfaction scores through culturally sensitive, streamlined support services
Where did we feel fail?
Learnings & Takeaways
To gather true insights, a single method to gather insights was not enough but approaching multiple research methods provides hidden points that was missed during previous research data or research sessions.
Design Process
Competitive Analysis
Semi-Structured Interview
Surveys
Secondary Research
12
Interviews
30
Surveys
2
Stakeholder Interviews
4
Insights
4
Next Steps
Survey Highlight
If you were the director of international admissions with unlimited budget, what would you do to help students overcome their challenges effectively?
15 responses
I’d ensure that the university had a decently strong network with neighboring residential properties so students would have a centralized place to start their apartment search.
Introduce financial aid for international students or create job roles specifically for international students to work
Additionally, I would be more mindful of ethnic celebrations to ensure a strong & diverse university culture that everybody can experience and hopefully learn from.
I feel alot of students get a massive cultural shock when they first come here and i would work towards having workshops that deal with differences in culture and language barriers
Insight 1
“The kind of food that we have back in India is quite different to what is provided right now in the canteens or in common thread.”
-(Tanya, 25, Grad Student(interview)
Dissatisfaction with campus dining reduces international students' socialization (Journal of International Student Research). Difficulty adjusting to local food and culture increases stress and anxiety (Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology).
Cultural Adjustment
Cultural adjustment, particularly regarding food, is a significant pain point for international students, impacting their overall experience
Keyfindings
Limited choices of food create cultural tension for international students, hindering adaptation to local cuisine and fostering isolation.
Insight 2
“Creating a safe space where you just don't go talk to somebody, but something like a dropbox would help people to anonymously put in their issues.”
-(Aditya, 18, Undergrad Student (interview)
Universities with anonymous feedback make positive changes for international students (Journal of Higher Education). Drop boxes and online forms effectively collect anonymous feedback from international students (Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice).
Feedback Mechanism and Expression of Concerns
Some students are hesitant to openly express concerns; an anonymous feedback system is suggested for more candid communication.
Keyfindings
Anonymity is crucial for some international students expressing concerns to avoid fear of judgment or reprisal.
6/10 students feel unsafe regarding the travel at night and other safety concern regarding scams.
Insight 3
“It still feels lonely because you like, I have not gotten along with a lot of people over here. And since I'm an introvert, I feel I find it difficult to be around people. So it doesn't come easy to me and I take a lot of time before I open up ”
-(Aarav, 23, Grad Student (interview)
Vocabulary challenges hinder understanding and assignments for international students (Journal of Second Language Acquisition). Struggling with vocabulary isolates students in social interactions and hampers relationship-building (International Journal of Intercultural Communication).
Feedback Mechanism and Expression of Concerns
• Communication challenges, including the inability to confront other students or college professors when in need.
• Feeling uncomfortable around others, loneliness and being helpless.
Keyfindings
Education involves breaking cultural barriers to facilitate open communication during the journey, sometimes more challenging than the coursework itself.
Root Cause Analysis
I used the 5-Whys Method to uncover the root causes behind the challenges international students encounter. This approach allowed me to move beyond surface-level issues and identify deeper problems such as language barriers, lack of mentorship, inadequate orientation, insufficient support services, and confusing visa processes.
How might TJU improve the support services given to international students adjusting life at United States and at TJU smoothening the transition for them.
Solution
Peer - Peer Support
Pair struggling students with staff or students from other departments to enhance support and makes students feel home.
Knowledge
Session to Equip students with knowledge to make informed college choices, preventing issues and maximizing their college experience
Meetups
Meetups with existing students about their experience, mindset when entering TJU helps students think they are not the only one.
Competitive Analysis
Journey Map
Next Steps
Cultural Adjustment
Design diverse and culturally sensitive food options in campus dining facilities to accommodate a range of international preferences.
Safety Concerns and Transportation
Options for extending secure transportation services during US entry, late hours and adverse weather conditions beyond the campus borders.
Communication Challenges
Implement language support resources, such as glossaries or language assistance services, to aid international students in overcoming communication barriers.
Feedback Mechanism and Expression of Concerns
Introduce an anonymous digital platform for students to share their concerns, creating a safe space for expressing issues without fear of judgment or identification.