International students face a myriad of challenges when they move to a new country which may affect their wellbeing. These include housing difficulties, financial instability and social integration barriers. In light of these challenges, the Department of Health Victoria’s Suicide Prevention Office, and Study Melbourne partnered with Impact Co. to undertake a journey mapping exercise to better understand and address the mental health and wellbeing needs of international students in Australia.

Project context

A Victorian coronial inquest into suicide deaths (2021) found that international students are not accessing the mental health and wellbeing supports. There was also often limited disclosure of mental ill-health and suicidal distress to friends and family. Impact Co. was brought in to gather comprehensive qualitative data through journey mapping, to better understandthe experiences and challenges of international students with a focus on their interactions with key service systems in Victoria. This extended beyond mental health to other intersecting drivers of wellbeing, such as environmental and social factors.

The problem-solving process

Impact Co. approached this project in three phases. Our goal was to capture the diverse experiences of international students in Australia and identify opportunities for support and improvement.

1. Recruitment

We collaborated closely with the Department of Health, universities, tertiary institutions and people with lived experience expertise to create effective materials for recruiting and surveying suitable participants.

There was an overwhelming response from international students to participate, allowing us to select participants based on intersectionality, identity markers, and a diverse range of experiences. Our focus was particularly on students’ mental health and wellbeing challenges, where we implemented a rigorous selection process to ensure maximum diversity and inclusivity.

Safety protocols were paramount to the project and were established from the outset. The project team ensured that prior to consultations, all information was provided and participant consent was sought before consulting.A risk and safety assessment were undertaken by the project team and measures were established to maintain the safety of the individual. A safety protocol was established following the consultations as well as access to a project psychologist and a check in if required.

2. Interviews

For the interview process, we conducted 20 x one-hour consultations with individuals who had both lived and living experiences as international students and with experience with mental health distress. We developed a flexible and choice-driven interview framework, enabling participants to share their journeys from pre-arrival in the country to their current state in Australia in ways that felt comfortable to them.

To support a safer and more supportive environment, we implemented trauma-informed practices, including the presence of an international student peer who had received prior training. Additionally, we provided relevant post-interview support, including access to psychologists, follow-up options, and information about relevant mental health support services. Our internal team also debriefed after each session, escalating concerns to psychologists if necessary.

2. Data storytelling using journey maps

We created eight journey maps based on amalgamated experiences, highlighting key themes while protecting student identities. These engaging visual journeys were developed to help the Department of Health and a cross-sector taskforce to understand the issues faced by international students.

Along with the journey maps, our key insights and recommendations included:

• The need for a culturally responsive and holistic approach to student wellbeing, encompassing mental health, housing, and social integration.
• The importance of elevating the voices of lived and living experiences to create effective and empathetic support systems.
• The integral role of the Commonwealth Government in addressing systemic barriers and ensuring consistent support for international students across Australia.

Shaping a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students

By listening to the voices of international students and working with this cohort, we helped provide a clearer picture of their challenges and needs. The project has supported information sharing and collaboration between governments, relevant sectors, and communities to promote mental health and wellbeing and prevent suicide in the international student population. As a result of this work, the Department of Health has been working closely with Study Melbourne to better centralise support information and link wellbeing services with education providers.

This project highlights the bravery and resilience of international students and underscores the importance of continued efforts across governments, sectors and communities to support the wellbeing of vulnerable populations in Australia.