van Nieuwenhuijsen, Rabea (2026) Navigating the System: Mapping the Mental Health-Care Journey of International Students in Leeuwarden. Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
International students face additional challenges and stressors that make them more susceptible to mental health problems, yet they are less likely to seek professional psychological services than their domestic peers. This study explores how international students in Leeuwarden experience mental health challenges and navigate help-seeking behaviour. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with international students enrolled in the Bachelor Global Responsibility and Leadership programme at Campus Fryslân, University of Groningen. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify similarities and differences across participants' experiences. Stressors identified included loneliness, financial pressure, housing instability, academic expectations, and difficulties with social integration. Barriers to help-seeking included self-stigma, limited awareness of available services, financial concerns, and challenges navigating the Dutch healthcare system. Distrust of GP services and feelings of not deserving professional support also emerged as important themes. Sports, distraction, social support, and university services were the most commonly described coping strategies. The findings highlight the complexity of mental health experiences among international students in Leeuwarden and point to the need for both further research and targeted support at the local level. Key words; international students, mental health, help-seeking behaviour, self-stigma, Dutch healthcare system, social isolation, thematic analysis, Leeuwarden
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Name supervisor: | Rotulo, A. |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Jun 2026 11:40 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Jun 2026 11:40 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/809 |
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