Pandemic in a Foreign Country: Barriers to International Students’ Well-being during COVID-19

This qualitative study explored international students’ unique experiences, challenges, and multidimensional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on three virtual focus groups with 18 international students in the United States, four key themes regarding barriers to their well-being during COVID-19 emerged: limited opportunities for social interactions; barriers in accessing healthcare; limited opportunities to advance their studies and careers; and experiencing racism and racial discrimination. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.