Academic Integration, Social Integration and Well-being among International Students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to research the extent in which academic and social integration influence the well-being of international students in the Netherlands. The academic and social integration was studied through an extension of the Baker & Siryk (1984) Student adjustment to College Questionnaire (SACQ) in the form of a 10-min online survey. The elements studied included; academic adjustment, social adjustment, personal-emotional adjustment, attachment, and social life. The level of well-being was measured through the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results showed a significant, high, positive correlation between the elements of academic and social integration and the well-being of international students. Non-western international students scored slightly lower in academic adjustment and social adjustment in comparison to Western international students. An exploration into the residential duration of international students in the Netherlands can spark future research.