Motivation, Career Expectations, Challenges, And Coping Mechanisms of Cagayan State University Offshore Students and Their Relationship to Academic Performance: Input For A Psychosocial Intervention Plan

This study explores the motivations, career expectations, challenges, and coping mechanisms of offshore students at Cagayan State University (CSU) and examines their relationship with academic performance. Offshore students, particularly those working professionals based in the United States, enroll in CSU’s graduate programs through distance learning to advance their careers while managing professional and personal responsibilities. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, this study gathered quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions with offshore graduate students. Results indicate that intrinsic motivation, such as professional growth and knowledge enhancement, plays a more significant role than extrinsic factors in driving students to pursue graduate education. Moreover, students face various academic challenges, including cultural differences, heavy academic workloads, financial constraints, and a lack of institutional support services. To overcome these obstacles, students employ multiple coping mechanisms, such as active coping, planning, social support, reframing, and balancing work- life commitments. Statistical analyses reveal that motivation significantly influences academic performance, with permanently employed students performing better than those with contractual or non-permanent employment. Findings emphasize the need for institutional intervention strategies, including enhanced support services, flexible scheduling, and financial assistance, to improve retention and success rates. A psychosocial intervention plan is recommended to aid offshore students in their graduate studies, fostering academic success and overall well-being.