The psychological and social experiences of International Saudi students in the UK during the pandemic of Coronavirus

Abstract

During the coronavirus pandemic, overseas students have had many psychological and social experiences that may affect their mental health and well-being. For that reason, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Saudi students in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. This researcher used an interpretive epistemological approach and critical ontological critical realism underpinned by a qualitative methodology. To collect the data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five Saudi students who study in the UK. Those experiences revealed six main themes, five of which were divided into subcategories. The theme of health and well-being was divided into the effects of COVID-19 on physical activity and health promotion to respond to challenges. The theme of education was divided into the effects of COVID- 19 on education and support for education. The theme of social life was divided into the effects of COVID-19 on relationships and social support. The theme of media was divided into the influence of the media and recourse to media to respond to challenges. The theme of the role of government was divided into the government’s roles and government support. The final theme is the perception of the future. From the results, it is clear that international students have faced many challenging experiences that have affected them adversely, physically, psychologically, and socially. Future studies could fruitfully explore those issues through additional interview-based studies with more Saudis who are studying abroad in different countries, with the aim of identifying the appropriate support in facing those challenges.