Leveraging social media for social protection

Addressing the challenges of international students abroad

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/ckxm8x15

Keywords:

: internationalization of higher education, Social Media, Counseling, International student support networks

Abstract

Study-abroad experiences often present significant challenges that can lead to stress and emotional upheaval among international students. In response, social media networks have emerged as vital tools for accessing social protection services in today's digital landscape. This study explores the role of social media in providing emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal support for international students at foreign universities. Anchored in social learning theory, the findings reveal that social media networks have a substantial and positive impact across all four dimensions of social protection. This study highlights that students' activeness and perceived utility of social media are critical factors in seeking emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal support. Interestingly, while the reliability of social media is a crucial consideration for those seeking instrumental and appraisal support, it is less significant for those seeking emotional and informational assistance. 

Author Biographies

  • Daniel Kibet Koech, University of Debrecen, Hungary

    DANIEL KIBET KOECH is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Debrecen, Hungary,Faculty of Health Sciences,Psychology DepartmentHis Research interest is in Internationalization and Globalization in Hungarian Universities in the post-Covid era. Email:daniel.koech@econ.unideb.hu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5852-9773

  • Esayas Demissie Degago , University of Debrecen, Hungary

    ESAYAS DEMISSIE DEGAGO is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, Faculty of Health Sciences, Psychology Departmen,t with research interest in Organisational Psychology

  • Edina Molnár, University of Debrecen, Hungary

    DR. EDINA MOLNÁR is a college professor and Head of Psychology Department ,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Hungary. Her research interests are in Psychology,communication and Economy

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2025-07-02

How to Cite

Koech, D. K., Demissie Degago , E. ., & Molnár, E. . (2025). Leveraging social media for social protection: Addressing the challenges of international students abroad. Journal of International Students, 15(7), 199-234. https://doi.org/10.32674/ckxm8x15