Factors Affecting the Homesickness of International Students

Attending college far from home can be an exhilarating yet emotionally challenging experience for some students, as they navigate through unfamiliar surroundings and cope with long distances. The separation from their familiar environment often leads to emotional distress among international students, manifesting in symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, chronic homesickness poses a significant risk to the mental and physical well-being of these individuals, potentially hindering their ability to successfully complete their college studies. This article examines the factors contributing to homesickness among non-local students in Hong Kong and the United States, as well as the impact of each factor. It primarily assesses the degree of homesickness through four dimensions: family harmony, cultural barriers, social relationships, and personal characteristics. The study employs multiple regression analysis to evaluate the significance of these factors on homesickness. The findings offer valuable insights that may inform strategies for addressing homesickness-related mental health issues and suggest potential preventive measures.