The Nightmares of International Medical Students - A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: International medical students face challenges and stress in host countries, yet limited evidence is available on their perceptions of these experiences. Objectives: This study explored the difficulties faced by international students undergoing medical studies in Pakistan, by portraying their lived experiences. Methodology: This is a phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews with students in four different colleges of Pakistan. The participants had completed their previous schooling overseas and had families living overseas. The interviews took place face to face or through video calls. Results: A total of 20 MBBS students were interviewed. The main stressors and difficulties faced by international medical students in Pakistan were related to cultural shock, loneliness and isolation, as well as an inability to cope. Loneliness and cultural shock were experienced by most of the participants, yet its implications were not always that severe. However, coping difficulties were experienced by a lesser number of students, yet it disturbed them to the degree that they had to get psychiatric support, and were even on the verge of dropping out and returning home. Conclusion: The difficulties and challenges faced by international students who are in Pakistan for their studies, unless addressed, would definitely be discouraging for future generations of students, to follow in their footsteps.